My massage lasts for two hours, though I’m asleep throughout the treatment.

While dreaming, the pink light reappears in front of me. I try to approach it, but I can’t go any faster than a snail. This would normally bother me, but the calming sensation I feel keeps my impatience in check.

After the massage, my escort and I sit in lounge chairs in the meditation garden.

There is a gate in front of my chair leading to the spa’s private beach.

After five minutes of sitting, my escort begins to snore.

A sense of guilt creeps into my mind as I observe her sleeping. She appears only to want to help me the best way she can, and I am making her job harder by acting like a selfish brat.

Tears begin to stream down my face. I don’t deserve any of these luxuries. I’m only a burden to those around me. This poor woman here is draining her energy just to make me feel better about myself.

As I reach for a tissue, I hear faint honking. I stop crying and attempt to determine where the noise is coming from. I hear it again, this time louder. It’s not a car’s horn or at least any type of car horn that I usually hear.

It sounds like a bird’s honking. I detect the direction of the sound, and it’s coming from the bushes near the gate. I tiptoe over to the gate to avoid disturbing my escort and peer into the bushes.

A large black beak pops out and bumps into my nose. I pull my body away and stifle a scream.

The bush rustles and out pops a large bright pink flamingo.

Image by Susan Cipriano from Pixabay