Page 101 of The Shape of Your Heart
‘Me neither.’ Josefine pauses. ‘It has been so good, walking with you.’
‘You, too.’ I clink my bottle against hers again. ‘Cheers, my friend.’
‘Santé. A toast to life,’ Josefine says.
‘And to adventures.’ We clink them again.
‘One more toast.’ Josefine looks at me. ‘To the future. May yours be everything you deserve, my friend.’
There are tears in my eyes. ‘Yours too,’ I whisper.
Finishing our beers, as darkness falls, we lie on our backs, stargazing.
‘This doesn’t feel real,’ I say to Josefine.
‘I agree. But has it given you what you were looking for?’
I watch a shooting star arc overhead. ‘You know, it has – but it’s given me so much more than that.’
‘Ah,’ Josefine says knowingly. ‘Adventures have a way of doing that. So tell me, what have been the best parts?’
‘The landscape,’ I say immediately. ‘And the people. Meeting you. The beauty and the peacefulness… After that, it’s like I’ve reminded myself that life is filled with the most surprising, amazing moments – and I should never lose sight of that.’
‘Agreed.’ Josefine’s silent for a moment. ‘I think that’s something you feel much more when you’ve lost someone close.’
‘Once you get over the survivor guilt,’ I add.
‘Hmm. True. But we have, haven’t we?’
‘I think so.’ But she’s right. In the part of me where guilt used to reside, I’ve rediscovered the joyfulness in being alive. ‘I think I’ve even come to terms with Nathan’s heart.’ It’s how I think of it now, because it’s his body it’s beating inside. That Liam gave him the gift of life is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Her voice is quiet. ‘I am so pleased. I know how difficult it has been for you.’
There’s a lump in my throat. ‘I’m going to miss you so much.’
‘I will miss you too.’ She reaches for my hand. ‘But we will keep in touch. Are you really getting a train home?’
‘I don’t have much choice.’ The thought of a ferry crossing like last time fills me with dread.
‘Oh, but you do…’ Her hand tightens around mine. ‘You are brave, Callie. So brave.’ She pauses. ‘You could fly.’
* * *
The next morning, we do as many have done before us and take our final steps along the Camino towards the city of Santiago de Compostela. As it looms up ahead of us, it’s magnificent, the ornate spires of the cathedral standing out above the other buildings.
After the emptiness of the countryside, the streets feel crowded and as we make our way towards the cathedral, up close it’s even more spectacular.
Taking in the intricacy of the architecture, I gaze at it in awe. ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’
‘Me neither.’ Beside me, Josefine doesn’t move. Then she nudges my elbow. ‘Come on. This is what we’ve come for. Let’s go inside.’
* * *
Just like that, this adventure I’ve dreamed about is over. After a night celebrating with tapas and beer, in the morning I see my friend off.
‘Thank you, Callie.’ Josefine hugs me tightly. ‘You have been the best ever walking buddy.’
Holding her at arm’s length, I gaze at her one last time. ‘So have you. It’s going to be so strange without you. Enjoy Canada, won’t you?’
