The hotel is perched on a cliffside, right on the ocean. I fish the keycard out of my pocket and slide it into the door, Neptune’s leash wrapped around my wrist as he presses warmly against my leg. I push the door open and step inside, Neptune following close behind.
The room carries the scent of an old coastal cabin—salt and sun-bleached wood, with a hint of cleaning supplies that can’t quite mask the decades of visitors who’ve come before me. The carpet is a faded blue, worn thin in places. A king-size bedwith a lumpy comforter takes up most of the space, flanked by mismatched nightstands that have definitely seen better days.
It’s outdated, sure. But it has a bed, a bathroom, and that’s basically all I need.
Neptune sniffs the corners with cautious curiosity, his nose twitching as he maps every scent that’s ever passed through here. I set my backpack on the bed and walk to the window.
The view hits me all over again.
From the balcony, the ocean spreads endlessly below. The sky glows, every shade of orange and pink reflecting off the water. A few puffins skim across the horizon, their distant calls carried on the breeze. I step outside, pulling my hoodie tighter around me, and lean against the railing.
The winter air is cool, probably somewhere in the fifties. I let the wind hit my face, feeling the chill and the promise of something new. Far below, ferns and evergreen plants spill down along the path. The sky is clear and absolutely beautiful. Whoever said it rains here all the time was clearly wrong.
Neptune trots over and settles beside me, his head on my thigh. I rest a hand on his neck, feeling the warmth of his fur under my palm. Yeah, this place might just be the fresh start I’ve been waiting for.
I pull out my phone, open the group chat I share with my sisters, labeled “Batterfield,” and type:
Me:
We made it, Neps and I are checked in! #pnwlife
Almost instantly, April responds.
April:
OMG, we’re in the same time zone finally!!
April’s in California now, living her best life as a photographer with her boyfriend, Max. They’ve been together for a little oversix months now, she’s living her own little fairytale, and every time she calls, she’s got that glowy sound to her voice that makes me happy for her—and maybe a tiny bit jealous too.
Then June chimes in.
June:
It’s 3 hours later here bitches. Text at a reasonable time..
June is the last one holding down the fort in Florida. She is working in social media for the Great Lakes Strikers Soccer Team. She loves her job, but I know she’s counting the days until she can break free, too.
I grin at the screen, the Pacific wind tugging at my hair.
Me:
Sure, June, you know you already miss me, that’s why you’re acting up.
April:
Now you finally have the freedom you’ve been wanting for so long, quit bitching, June…
I can practically see June rolling her eyes through the screen.
June:
Okay, fine, whatever. Glad you made it okay, May. How’s Neppy anyway?
I grin at Neptune, who’s sitting next to me, and has been the world’s best travel companion.
Me:
He’s perfect. He’s been an absolute angel the whole trip. I don’t know how I got so lucky.
