It’s Thursday and I still haven’t packed. I’ve moved a few things near the bag — jeans, the shirt I always wear when I want to seem relaxed but not lazy — but nothing’s gone in. Every time I go to do it, I end up staring at the list I half-wrote on the back of an envelope and wondering whether I’m overthinking all of this. Probably. Doesn’t stop me.
I booked the Airbnb this morning. Two bedrooms. There’s a bunk bed in one. She didn’t say anything, but I figured that was safer. She can pick whichever. I’m not doing the top bunk. I remember what happened last time I climbed anything metal after wine.
It’s one of those flats that’s appeared out of nowhere on Booking and Airbnb — all white and slightly too clean, like it’s been designed by people who’ve never tripped over their own shoes in the dark. The balcony is technically there. The view is a wall. Someone called it “textural.” I’d call it old and vaguely damp. But central. That’s what counts, right?
I nearly sent her the link. Then decided not to. Just texted: “Booked it. Will send details later.” She replied: “Perfect. Can’t wait.” I screenshotted it. No idea why.
Went into town to pick up olive oil. Paco asked if we needed extra towels. I didn’t ask what he meant by “we.” He winked like a man who’s been married 40 years and forgets what it’s like to not know what someone else is thinking. I think the whole village knows. Probably discussed between tomato stalls.
I tried to make dinner when I got back. Opened a can of chickpeas, got distracted, ended up cleaning the fridge instead. I’ve now got a neat row of condiments and no actual meals. The chickpeas are still on the side.
I keep telling myself it’s just a weekend. People do this all the time. No expectations. No pressure. It’ll probably be like that Sunday I sat in the square and just let the day drift. No plan. Just quiet. The village doing its own thing around me. I wrote about it once — that Sunday where nothing happened and somehow it helped everything feel a bit more like home.
Anyway. Two more sleeps. I’ve opened the train app three times. I’ll try again in an hour.