One morning, I looked out my apartment window and saw the wounded flamingo needed my help. The left wing looked injured, and regardless of why, caring for the bird felt like a necessary act of atonement for my past mistakes.

For months I read books and articles on how to care for flamingoes and nursed her back to health. Every day we bonded more, eating and sleeping together in the same room. We kept each other company each night and played games. I chose the name Fizz for her because each time I opened a can of soda she honked in response to the fizzing sound. Ever since I had met her, Fizz made me feel better.

Her wing healed, and I planned on relocating her to a local zoo. Fizz must have known my intentions because on the day I was supposed to take her, she flew into the air and landed on a boat for rent in the nearby marina, where she pointed towards the sea.

Since it was our last day together, I presumed she wanted me to take her somewhere. I paid the rental fee, and we sailed to the ocean. After some time, we found this private island, which had a large FOR SALE sign at the dock. We took a tour of the location, after getting permission from the owner, and fell in love with it. The olive trees that surrounded this area looked like a large family waiting for us to come home. Fizz and I made sandcastles and frolicked in the gentle waves. If taking care of Fizz made me feel good, then this was euphoria! I knew this was to be our new home together.

I bought this place with money from my new job and my reporting days. A year later, we relocated here. We never leave unless Andre takes us to run errands on the mainland.

.                                                                       .                                                                       .

“And that’s the whole story, Tamara.” Jessica Galton finished.

I stayed speechless and stare at my empty frappe glass. My mind swarmed in thoughts while Fizz nuzzled my feet in an attempt to comfort me.

Jessica Galton lived here this entire time. All because of a toxic boss, a broken heart, and flamingoes. My idol and inspiration had been living a lie for so many years.

She saw this and gave me a sad smile. “This story’s a lot to take in, of course, and no doubt it’s tarnished my reputation in your eyes, so please be free to express whatever emotion you feel right now.”

I hung my head searching for a response. At last, I sighed and rose from my chair.

“Miss Galton, that is an incredible story. I can hardly believe it’s true.”

Miss Galton looked puzzled. “You aren’t angry?”

“No, if anything, I understand what it’s like to do everything possible to achieve career goals. The reason why I’m in Greece is that I overworked myself.”

“It’s a relief that you took time off work before you lost control of your life like I did.”

“I’m curious. Will you ever contact Louis again?”

Miss Galton smiled. “Nope! I’ve burned that bridge to a crisp. There’s no point in making it up to him or his mother.”

I suppressed an indignant snort and glanced at my watch.

“I’m supposed to return to the mainland and meet my escort at three o’clock.”

“Okay. I’ll guide you where Andre will be waiting.”

As I turned to leave. She grabbed my wrist and whispered in a serious tone, “Please don’t tell anyone about me, Fizz, or anything else about this island.”

I winced in pain and nodded. Miss Galton released her grip and resumed her cheery demeanor.

As we walked, Fizz strolled beside me to the left, where I kept my voice recorder, which had been on since I arrived.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero