Snow fell outside the window, coating everything in a blanket of fuzzy white.
I snugged up on my couch with a glass of my favorite wine, the flickering flame in the fireplace keeping me warm despite the flurries outside. Snowy weather always made me nostalgic for Greece—where the sun never stopped shining, drinks never stopped flowing, and people never stopped living life to the fullest...
I let out a long sigh through my nose, lifting the glass of red to my lips. The crimson liquid settling in my system with a subtle warm wave, but nothing compares to the Aegean sun kissing my skin.
I found my old diary today. The pages have long since yellowed, but the memories live on—still vivid as yesterday. My life before marrying Walter, before having Nikos, before the restaurant, before I became 'Aunt Zora.'
When was the last time I flipped through these pages? When was the last time I had a moment to myself just to... reminisce?
Zora's Diary: 14 July, 1968.
Third day in Santorini. Drank too much Ouzo last night. Woke up nauseous and regretting my life decisions. 'I'm only young once,' I tell myself, though.
I met someone today... someone unexpected. Someone I really like, even though she's not at all my usual type.
I was lounging in a deck chair, an arm flung over my face because of that god awful hangover. I heard a laugh—bubbly and bright, followed by this absolutely obnoxious American accent. I risked a peek. And there she was...
Bikini top, high-waisted cuffed jeans, Converse sneakers—that was an American if I've ever seen one.
I remember rolling my eyes, a flicker of annoyance sparking in my chest. I remember clicking my tongue, shaking my head at her. "Fucking yank..." I remember grumbling in my accented English, just loud enough for her to hear... I never shied away from voicing my opinions.
She turned to me then. Her eyes widened almost comically, hands flying to cover her mouth. She actually looked apologetic. A self-aware American?
"I'm so sorry..." she whispered, walking over to me, "it's my first day here, and I've already offended a local..." she chuckled guiltily.
And diary? That was the moment I knew this American girl was going to be trouble for my heart.