We awaken early with the light of a new day and the distant noise of an unhappy baby. We reach for each other sleepily as we are on holiday and there is no rush to get up, start the day. I’m sleepily grateful that the lilo has retained all its air this time before dozing off for another little while.
I awaken later to the scent of fresh bread as Mr Fit has sneaked out for a run and has returned with orange juice, croissants and a baguette. I quickly get up & go outside to eat the delicious flaky pastries al fresco. The heat is already beginning to build and now the campsite is buzzing with sounds of family breakfasts and plans for the day. After a bit of deliberation and mapwork, we decide upon a bike ride to a beach with the promise of a picnic and a paddle. I’m childishly excited about the prospect of bike riding & soon we are on the small country roads twisting towards the coast. As we near the busier coastal village, I spot the perfect little cafe for us to visit for an ice cream on our return journey. Then we can feel the salty sea breeze in our faces and the hot sun on our backs – we are almost there. Down a juddering wooden track in the sand hills and suddenly we reach the deserted, sandy beach and the inviting blue sea.The bikes will go no further in the soft sand so we lock them together, grab the picnic & mats and, laughing, we race to the sea. After the toe tingling freshness of a quick paddle, I lie down on my mat and close my eyes once more.
When I open my eyes again the light hurts my eyes as my sunglasses have fallen off. But I’m not on a beach, I’m in my bed and my beautifully crafted daydream shatters into a million tiny pieces. The curtains are pulled but the dim half light still hurts my punding head. I look at my normal-ish looking body half out of the duvet & wonder how it does not portray the weariness, fatigue and pain it feels? Will I ever be well again? Ride a bike? Paddle in the sea? Take a camping holiday?
Mr Fit comes in after his early morning run & ensures I take my medications but there are no plans to be made. Not for me, I will be here, in this bed, all day. After he leaves, I pray for strength & courage to face another day battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
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