Page 1 of Island Love

1

Hawa

I take a deep breath as I step into the bustling airport, the cacophony of travelers and rattling luggage carts washing over me. Despite the chaos, an unexpected calm settles through my body.

Travelers rush by, eager to begin their island adventures while I’m waiting for my flight back to reality. The constant drone of flight announcements and rolling suitcases fades into background noise as nostalgia washes over me. I’m not ready to leave paradise yet.

My best friends Tiffany and Jada get to stay in Hawaii one more week, soaking up the sun and tropical drinks while I head back home alone. I only had so many days off work. I sigh, already missing paddle boarding at sunrise and stargazing on the beach at night. The carefree joy I felt exploring Oahu with my girls is quickly being replaced by dread about my overflowing inbox and looming deadlines.

I open my work email on my phone and cringe. Being a successful corporate lawyer means nonstop stress and no real time off.

My mind wanders back to cliff jumping off the North Shore, ATV rides along mountain ridges, and impromptu karaoke nights with hot locals. Hawaii brought out my adventurous side - I felt so free and alive here. A smile creeps on my face remembering the hot surfer who asked for my number at the luau last night.

The intercom announces the boarding call for my flight, jolting me back to reality. I take one last longing look at the Hawaiian paradise surrounding me and silently promise myself I’ll come back to this magical island soon to fully explore all its beauty…and temptations. For now, it’s back to work in the city. And the memories of Hawaii will keep me going until my next tropical escape.

I make my way toward the check-in counter, admiring the high arching ceilings and walls of windows that allow sunlight to flood the terminal.

“Aloha!” a friendly voice calls out. I raise my gaze to the airport employee, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “How was your trip to our islands?”

“Absolutely incredible,” I reply. “I’m not ready to leave.”

She nods knowingly. “Yes, Hawaii has a way of capturing your heart. But you’ll be back, I can tell.”

I laugh. “I hope so. I’ll be dreaming of palm trees and beaches until then.”

We chat for another minute, and she recommends must-see spots on my next visit. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I can’t help but smile.

As we part ways, I feel reinvigorated. The joy and kindness of the people here have left an imprint on me.

I check my watch, realizing I need to hustle to my gate. As much as I’ll miss Hawaii, home awaits. With a final glance back at the glittering ocean, I hoist my carry-on bag. The airport’s hustle and bustle fades into background noise as bittersweet emotions wash over me.

But I’m also filled with excitement to get back to the city, to dive into work and reunite with my family and friends. Even though leaving Hawaii’s warm shores and carefree days behind brings an ache to my heart.

The bright sun that caressed my skin just moments ago disappears as I step into the jet bridge. Cool, artificial air wraps around me like a scratchy blanket, a stark contrast from the warm tropical breeze I’ve grown accustomed to this past week.

As I step onto the plane, melancholy mixes with anticipation. The flight attendant offers a vibrant flower lei with a warm “Aloha.” I breathe in the sweet floral scent, taking a mental snapshot of this last moment in paradise.

I find my seat in first class, nestling into the plush leather that cradles my tired body. I work hard to earn these small luxuries.

I close my eyes, imagining I’m still lying on the warm sand, crystalline water lapping at my feet.

Hawaii was an escape, a fantasy. But the law, San Francisco, my career - it’s my reality.

I blow a silent kiss goodbye to Hawaii’s hypnotic beauty. Though our time was short, I’ll treasure every moment here - swimming with sea turtles, hiking volcanic cliffs, dancing all night with new friends.

I settle back in my seat, a bittersweet smile playing on my lips.

Though it’s hard to leave paradise behind, Hawaii’s spirit will stay nestled deep in my heart until I’m blessed to return.

I sigh, leaning back in my seat. My mind drifts to my girlfriends, still soaking up the sun on the beach without me. I can’t help but feel a pang of envy.

I loved our time together. Jet skiing, cliff jumping, late nights dancing under the stars… it was the adventure I’d been craving. A break from my structured routine.

But a week was all I could spare.

I find myself longing for just one more spontaneous, reckless moment. One more chance to breach the surface and plunge into blue unknown depths.

Maybe it’s time I shake things up when I get home. Sign up for that salsa class I’ve been eyeing, adopt that shelter dog I’ve been dreaming of, or just go out on a date…

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