I surf around and choose an online app with good reviews and book an appointment. I really miss Dr. Sam, my college counselor, but I know she would be proud of me for reaching out for help when I need it.
I continue to firm up details for my impending trip to Europe, but even that cannot cheer me up. The entire thing now feels like one big to-do list rather than an epic adventure.
As the dog days of summer hit, so do a week of thunderstorms, which suit my mood just fine. They slow down the foot traffic of the seasonal tourists, but I’m not upset with the disruption in business.
I really need the time to think, to force my body to move faster when it feels like I’m in quicksand. The downtime also allows me to do my counseling intake appointment. I’m incredibly proud of myself for prioritizing my mental health.
I double-check all my reservations and have heard from everyone except Wren, which makes me nervous. Meeting up with Wren is one of the main reasons I had planned this trip.
She is my go-to taxidermist and preservation specialist. When she told me she would be in Europe and would meet me to check out the taxidermy raven I was going to purchase, I was ecstatic.
I emailed her a few days ago but haven't heard back, so I decide I’ll try to call her instead. Email is not foolproof, yet another reason I fall back on the old-fashioned method of communication—the phone.
I never know where Wren is, so I figure I’ll just call and see if she answers, hoping it's not the middle of the night wherever she is. She may be out of touch, tracking down some obscure oddity in a far-flung corner of the world.
If I didn’t have a brick and mortar, I’d be tempted to do the same. She has the most incredible stories of her worldwide travels and comes back with amazing treasures. I'm sure it sounds way more romantic than it actually is.
I’m not surprised when I get her voicemail, so I leave a message for her to call me back. However, I am surprised when, just as I hang up, my phone rings.
“Wren!”
“Hey, sorry, I’ve been in and out of service chasing down some cool things. We’re still on for Europe, right?”
“Of course! I can’t wait to see you again. It’s been a minute.”
“Lieshe, it’s been way too long! You sound a little off. Is everything okay?”
I sigh, debating how I want to respond. “There’s been a lot going on here. But I’m really looking forward to seeing you.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking. This might be too much added stress, and if so, let me know and no hard feelings. But it also may be exactly what you need, since I know it’s always been a dream for you. Romania is not too much further from where we’ll already be.”
“Romania? Why would we go to Romania?” I gasp.
“Dracula’s castle! I know Dracula is one of your favorite movies, so we could check the castle out. It’s only a couple hours away by plane, and I have a few extra days to spare. How cool would it be to bring back some real Romanian oddities for your store?”
Dracula’s castle. I could see the real Dracula’s castle. I feel goosebumps skate over my skin. Wren’s right. When else would I get the chance to do this? This is exactly the distraction I need. Something just for me.
Between Jo coming to cover the shop and now having hired Anna on, I could have the extra time away. And I could really use something to cheer me up.
“Abso-fucking-lutely brilliant Wren, I’d love to go!” I don’t even have to overthink this. I have always wanted to, but never dreamed it would happen. I have no excuses not to go and every reason to go.
This new development has me excited about my trip all over again. Now I will have something to direct my energy into. The perfect distraction from the man whose voice made me think of Dracula. Or will it be the perfect reminder, I wonder?
I will not mope. It’s time to move on. I’m not turning down one of my bucket list items because of stalker-boy’s voice. I will not deny myself the happiness I deserve. If anything, this is a wake-up call. I can hear Mom in my heart saying, “Onwards and upwards, honey.”
We wrap up our conversation, with Wren assuring me she will shoot me the details. I set up a group text with Anna and Jo to send out the new dates for the trip. I’m thrilled when they both text back those dates work for them. The adventure is far enough out that I can still tweak my flights, so I log on and change my return flight.
I’m amazed at how everything is falling into place. I can’t believe I am finally going to see Dracula’s castle. For the first time in weeks, my face cracks into a true smile. I say out loud to Mom, “Onwards and upwards, Mama.”
Lucifer startles at my outburst, casting some serious side eye toward me from the barstool, but still follows me as I head into my closet. I unearth my suitcase, which he promptly claims as his new perch and start pulling out potential outfits to pack.
I get a few foundation pieces picked out when I hear my phone chime with a text message. Looking down, I expect to see another group text about the trip, but an unknown number comes up.
Unknown
Miss me?
Lieshe
