Chapter 11
Althea
Forty four years ago today, I opened my dream cafe, with Nicholas, the love of my life, right by my side. I gripped onto his hand, squeezing it with excitement, looking at the bare building in front of me, a blank slate.
“This is exciting, isn’t it?!”
I said, turning to face Nic. He cupped my face, towering over me.
“I’m so proud of you, Althea, agápi mou.”
He placed a kiss on my forehead, making me giddy, just like every time he kissed me.
I took the keys out of my pocket and jammed them into the dodgy door.
The door swung open, the wood on the floor was rough, the wallpaper ripped, and the smell was musty.
To most, this would’ve been a waste of a space, to me it was a bargain I couldn’t pass on.
Nicholas helped me find this place and pursue my dreams, since fear was holding me back.
What if I couldn’t make money? What if I’m unsuccessful? and Nic always met me with ‘what if it works?’.
Nic even invested his money into this, to show me how much he believes in my vision.
This part of the beach lacked cafes, and every time I walked past this empty building, I always imagined my little cafe, with delicious coffee and Greek cuisine.
As we began the work inside, we already had locals and tourists peeking their head through the window, curious to what was happening. Each time
BEYOND THE BLUES
Nicholas went out there and spoke to them, explaining my vision, he had a way with words.
Nic taught me basic English, as he speaks it perfectly.
He studied in England, so I guess that helped him out, but it also helps me out with my business.
I was so grateful for him.
Blessed to live out this dream of mine, with my soulmate right by my side.
But now I’m here, next to Nicholas, in a bleak white hospital room.
In one hand was a handkerchief I hadn’t let go of all day, and my other hand was on Nicholas’s.
His eyes were losing the light I was used to seeing.
Now they were grey and tired, leaving my heart feeling heavy.
I knew today was his last day, but I didn’t want to accept the fact.
Returning alone back to our home, the cafe wouldn’t feel real without him by my side. Despite the state Nic was in, he still grazed his thumb over mine.
“I love you Nicholas.”
I say, holding back my tears.
Nic shows me a weak smile, and I know he’s saying it back to me.
He lets out a heavy sigh and closes his eyes.
Please God, spare me more time with him.
I begged the man in the sky every day for more and more time with Nic, but I know there’s only so much time a person can have.