Shifting Perspective

Chapter 1 - The Invitation

Sonia got a letter from the cruise company. She had to choose a companion for the upcoming 4 week cruise that was already paid for.

Her ex-husband, Frank, had been an abusive asshole. He’d cut her off from most of her friends and isolated her at home to basically make sure his social life was smooth and taken care of at his multimillion dollar home. He was rich, but it had been a terrible 3 years. She felt used, alone, and ready to do something different.

She wracked her brain for who in their mid to late 20’s would be available in a month to go on a month long cruise that might actually pick up the phone these days. The options were bleak.

Then the right person jumped out at her. Katie Walsh! She was supposedly a traveler and free spirit, a writer occasionally, and wasn’t married or partnered right now. She’d seen an update on her Insta where she’d been in Iceland recently. It was time to reach out.

Hey Katie! It’s been too long. I miss you and thought about you when an opportunity came up. Hit me back and I’ll give you details! I’d love to chat more.

Katie didn’t answer for two days. Sonia started to panic, but then realized that hadn’t spoken in nearly 7 years. Katie finally got back on the third day.

Hey Sonia! It’s been WAAAAAY too long. What’s up? I love opportunities, especially with awesome old friends.

Sonia squeezed with joy! Katie had finally responded!

Hi! I miss you and I have a crazy offer. Would you be interested in going on a cruise with me? I would love to reconnect.

Katie replied immediately. “Yah, I would love that.”

Sonia quickly asked for Katie’s email and gave her all the details. They started chatting excitedly about the trip and what they’d been doing. Katie was looking forward to getting an amazing travel opportunities. Sonia felt a flood of relief and joy of connecting with another person and someone from her past who was kind and knew some of where Sonia came from.

The final thing they agreed on that day was that Katie would be driving out to stay for a couple of weeks before the cruise proper. They were both very excited.