Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
“Well, there’s always a demand for that,” Zoey says.
I nod. “Here’s hoping,” I smile before my eyes flicker around them. “How about you guys? How long are you all staying for?”
“Not too much longer for me,” Ben says. “I’ve been traveling around Europe for a couple of months now. Madrid’s my last stop before heading home.”
“Months?” I echo, impressed. “That sounds incredible.”
“I can’t lie, it's been pretty epic,” he replies. “But my bank account disagrees, so it’s probably time to face reality.”
“I’ve got another two weeks or so here,” Camila says. “I’m kind of winging it. Wherever feels right, I go. I’m thinking of heading to Seville next.”
“That’s so cool,” I say, a little envious of her carefree spirit. “What about you, Zoey?”
Zoey shrugs, tucking her legs beneath her on the bed. “I’ve been here for a week already, but I don’t have much of a plan. Might head to Barcelona next, or... who knows?”
“Wow. It sounds like you’re all pros at this travel thing,” I say with a laugh.
Camila smiles. “You’ll catch on quickly.”
“Yeah, you will,” Ben agrees. “So, have you managed to explore yet?”
“A little,” I confirm.
“And how was it?” he presses.
“It’s... beautiful,” I say, letting out a soft laugh. “I think I’m already falling in love with this city.”
“You’ll love it even more at night,” Camila says. “We’re going out tonight, actually. You should come with us!”
Zoey perks up at that, her quiet energy turning a little more lively. “Ben has found a rooftop bar that’s supposed to have incredible views of the city.”
The offer is certainly tempting, but as much as I would love to get to know the three of them better, I’m exhausted. I didn’t sleep well last night, and after spending the morning travelling and the afternoon wandering around a new city, I’m completely drained.
“Thank you so much, but I’ll have to pass. It sounds amazing, honestly, but I’m absolutely wiped out.”
“Ah, come on!” Ben protests with a grin. “The best cure for exhaustion is a drink. Or three.”
They laugh in unison at that, and I smile at the sound.
“Tomorrow,” I promise, holding up my hands in surrender. “I’ll definitely join you tomorrow night - if you’re all up for going out, that is. I just need to recharge a bit first.”
Camila studies me with a critical eye, then smirks. “Fine, tomorrow it is. But no excuses, okay?”
“Deal,” I say, already feeling a wave of relief at the thought of crawling under the covers.
It’s not that much later that the three of them start getting ready. Their easy banter fills the room as they discuss the night ahead, and I watch as they move towards the door.
“You’re sure you won’t join us?” Camila asks as they’re about to leave.
I’m comfortably tucked up in bed and genuinely couldn’t think of anything worse than going out right now.
“Tomorrow,” I promise.
She smiles, and the door clicks shut behind them as they head out. The room falls into a peaceful silence, and I send a quick message to my mum and Laura to update them that my dorm mates seem lovely before I lie back in bed and allow the soft hum of the city outside to lull me into a sense of calm.
Tomorrow, I think, closing my eyes.
Tomorrow, I’ll start saying yes.
Chapter Three
The morning sunlight streams through the large dorm window, casting a golden glow over the room, and I wake to the sound of birds chirping and the distant hum of city life outside.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m genuinely excited to step into the day.
Madrid is alive, but my dormmates are not. I’d heard them come back to the room just before six o’clock this morning, so I highly doubt that they’ll wake anytime soon.
I get ready as quietly and as quickly as I can so as not to disturb them. After enjoying breakfast in the hostel’s common area - a mix of pastries, strong coffee, and fruit - I decide to make my way toward El Retiro Park. It’s one of the places Sofía recommended yesterday, and her enthusiasm about it has stuck with me.
The park is, of course, breathtaking. Tree-lined paths seem to stretch out in every direction, their leaves rustling gently in the January breeze. I sit by the water for a while, letting the tranquil atmosphere soak into me.
It’s nice to take some time out and relax, something I’ve never really indulged in back home.
I snap a quick photo and send it to my mum and Laura before I leave to find lunch.
There are so many familiar fast-food options, but I decide to avoid those and wander into a small café nearby. The menu is entirely in Spanish, but I’m determined to embrace the culture. I stumble through my order, and the waiter’s kind smile assures me that my efforts aren’t entirely embarrassing.