Sarah Sullivan wasn't planning on returning from her trip even for the New Year.
She had confined herself to one city for far too long, trapping her heart in the process. Going on this journey finally taught her the true meaning of freedom.
Her two travel companions were ladies who made it a point to explore the world every year.
Under their guidance, the more ground she covered, the broader her horizons became, and her heart opened up with it.
"My mom and her friends just entered The Great Smoky Mountains. She said the blue skies and clouds are absolutely mesmerizing. She plans to stay at Lake Summit for a while with them," Sophie Sullivan said, sharing the photos her mother had sent her with Gavin Gilmore.
In Sophie's memory, her mother had never liked taking pictures. Over the years, the mother and daughter hardly had any photos together, and pictures of Sophie's childhood were pitifully scarce.
But on this trip, her mother's companions draped themselves in silk scarves, striking all sorts of poses, and managed to snap quite a few photos of Sarah as well.
Sarah had picked out a few with the best scenery to send to Sophie.
"My mom got a little tanner, but she looks so much more vibrant. Just look at the sparkle in her eyes."
Gavin looked at the photos and nodded in agreement. A person's mindset determined their physical state, and Sarah was currently glowing brighter than any period since he had met her.
"When we get old, we should travel the world just like this," Sophie said, wrapping her arms around Gavin's neck.
Gavin gently bounced Sophie on his lap and replied, "My parents are taking my grandmother to The Bahamas for the holidays. Why don't we go to St. Moritz?"
"St. Moritz?" Sophie hesitated slightly.
"I remember you saw my computer screensaver once and mentioned how beautiful The Azure Tarn in St. Moritz was. We can also visit The Swiss Cocoa Estate and make our own chocolate cookies."
Gavin had clearly done his homework, eagerly showing Sophie his carefully planned itinerary. Sophie didn't refuse; wherever he wanted to go, she was more than happy to accompany him.
The couple first flew to Zurich, spent a day exploring, and then took a train to Zermatt.
Sophie treated it as if it were her very first time there, following Gavin's itinerary and experiencing every scenic spot with fresh eyes.
Standing by the thick layer of snow near The Azure Tarn, Gavin traced his name into the white powder and looked up at Sophie.
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