Page 6 of Capri

The Market in the village center is incredibly welcoming. I’m not sure why I pictured this part of the island being vacant, with nothing but motor scooters and gas fumes. The opposite surrounds me.

Vendor tents litter the town’s lush field, centered around shops and hole-in-the-wall restaurants on the outer perimeter—likely the town’s culinary staples.

Mom-and-pop shops remind me a lot of back home.

A place that doesn’t feel so homey anymore.

The first thing I’ve noticed about Capri is the vibrant colors. No surface was spared from the cheeriness of the island’s color scheme. Buildings of pink, teal blue, sage green, and pastel yellow enhance the charm of the outdoor square. Bougainvillea must be a favorite around here, as bright violet blooms are planted across every corner. They only add to the coastal comfort vibes.

The charm of the island can’t be missed.

In the distance, I can see the faint outline of the Mediterranean cliffs, a location I hope to visit on this trip, and the expanse of the deep ocean behind it. Seeing such beauty in something created by nature and taken care of by people is breathtaking.

I love it here.

Back home in Timber Heights, the small town has well-built character, but it’s nothing to the extent of this. I thought I loved the old-world, prehistoric city vibe, but I’m confident this reigns supreme. There’s just something about being on an island during the summer.

Most of my time is spent inside for work during the week, so it’s not like I get to truly appreciate where I live anyway. Unlike you would here, I’d assume.

“Ooooh, let’s get a lemon spritz,” Collie exclaims as she leads us to where an older man stands behind a wooden bar top, juicing fresh lemons.

“Posso offrirti un drink?” The man asks with a bright smile on his face.

“Yes, you may,” Collie answers. “We’ll take two, please.”

Fresh mint, peeled lemon twists, andLimoncello di Capriscatter across the table before him. I can tell by his technique that he’s no stranger to a good lemon spritz. There’s muscle memory in his moves.

The smile that lights his face as he hands us our drinks is what I’d imagine genuine happiness to feel like.

I can’t even begin to explain how often I’ve found myself wondering what my purpose is. Wondering what I’m good at now that I’m not a wife. I’d love to experience this man’s level of joy. Even if just for a moment’s time. Even if it were juicing lemons.

I feel slightly robbed of my chance by my ex-husband. If only I had known about his infidelity sooner, I wouldn’t have wasted five years of my adult life with someone who had no respect for me.

That’s years of validating his absence.

Years of dry cleaning his suits and ironing his ties.

Years of tolerating his insufferable mother.

Years away from finding a man who would love me well.

Years I’ll never get back.

That’s what hurts the most.

I’m twenty-six and not getting any younger. Teaching kindergarten, I feel much older than I am.

The days are long and the years are short.That couldn’t be more true.

I pull my sister close and link arms. “So, what’s next, Col? You said to fuck the itinerary. Well, consider it thoroughly fucked.”

“Now you’re gettin’ it. Beach or lunch first?” she asks me with a grin.

“What kind of question is that?”I’ll never say no to food.

Her bright blue eyes beam up at me. “Lunch it is.”

Searching for a lunch spot, I have to fight the orderly side of myself that notices restaurants I read had good reviews. I told Collie I’d leave the buzzkill at the resort, and I’m doing that.

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