A Katama Bay Christmas by Katie Winters

Author:Katie Winters
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: womens fiction, holiday fiction, seasonal fiction, sisters fiction, later in life fiction
Publisher: Katie Winters
Published: 2021-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The weekend’s warmth took a sharp downward turn and cast the island in another white blanket of snow. Linda awoke on Monday morning just in time for yoga and blinked out at the shimmering white as it continued its glorious flurry from cloud to earth. Once outside of Nancy’s yoga studio, she listened to the whimsical conversations between the other Lodge ladies. They all spoke about this “most magical” time of year with a certainty that made Linda almost believe. Three of the ladies even greeted Linda by name, probably remembering her as the “older woman who kept to herself.” This didn’t bother Linda. In reality, it was just remarkable to be remembered. It was remarkable to be known.

After yoga, Linda returned to her room for a quick shower. Once back on her bedspread, wrapped up in a fluffy towel, she recorded her thoughts in her journal— grateful that her outlook had shifted since her arrival.

December 13, 2021

It feels to me that there is every reason to be hopeful, despite all the trauma of previous lives.

Perhaps I can be someone new.

Perhaps I don’t have to be alone.

That isn’t too much to dream for, is it?

Breakfast began at eight. Linda donned a pair of jeans and a zip-up sweatshirt and walked down the antique, circular staircase, which led to the large open-air dining hall, which bustled with life and vibrant conversation from the lively awoken Lodge residents. The vegan breakfast of green smoothies, homemade bread, vegan jams, plenty of vegetables, and little vegan snacks, awaited to fuel them for their therapeutic schedule ahead. Linda’s afternoon was frightening and exhilarating, as she had finally agreed to take on Carmella Remington’s acupuncture— something she’d heard would relax her mind and body in ways she couldn’t fully comprehend.

A green smoothie in hand, Linda stepped toward a single table near the window, which allowed her the comfort of being in a crowded room without the necessity of making conversation. Every day brought a different sort of fear, a different sort of challenge. Linda thought that, perhaps, she would one day find the strength to broach her version of small talk. Maybe she would even, one day, find a way to make new friends.

However, when the crowd in front of her parted, Linda found herself privy to a very surprising sight.

There before her, between the dining hall and the hallway in the distance, stood Janine Grimson Potter alongside her best friend, the Brooklynite Maxine Aubert. It was as though they’d stepped out of the pages of the glossy magazine that Linda had read. They both wore top-notch fashion, better designs, even than DENISE ever would have hung up on their racks. Maxine’s blonde-tinged hair flowed beautifully across her shoulders, and her winter coat was fluffed with snow, as though she’d only just entered. Her lipstick shone bright red, like an apple plucked from a tree, and her eyes danced with humor as Janine spoke.

Janine flashed her head around to catch Linda, whose own eyes were wide as saucers.

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