Glimmer of Hope
Yvoire. Its melodious name was engraved in my childhood dreams until today. I was spending my summer here to finish my book.
The scenery beholding me is poetic – a sitting area and an array of rose, peach, and red geraniums cascading from my balcony. The perfect writer’s retreat.
Geneviève, a local academic in French history, was my guide. Her extensive knowledge and astute insights proved invaluable for me. Her joie de vivre is her star quality and attracts a lot of people around her; often giving me ideas for characters! We could sit for hours discussing literature, travel, and love.
Love. Although I was a lover of words and relished the way sentences weaved together like pearl necklaces, this was one word I felt numb towards. “Lueuer d’espoir,” says Geneviève. “You need to have a ‘glimmer of hope’.” “I don’t even know what happiness looks like,” I implore. “You’re a writer,” she says. “Make sure you live your story the way you would want to write it. By being your true self, your story will naturally fall into place; characters, plots, and a happily ever after.” It took a while to step out of my cocoon. I spent my weekdays writing and the weekends hiking around Switzerland. Postcard-perfect spots rendered me speechless and reassured me that true beauty lies in being true to one’s nature. With the solitude, I learnt to seek my happiness from within. The transformation in my spirit was instantaneous.
One evening, Geneviève held her birthday party at a local restaurant. The setting was whimsical. A rose-covered pergola was interweaved with fairy lights and shaded a table laden with delights. I was with Geneviève when she embraced a mysterious gentleman. “Henri, I’d like you to meet someone special,” she points at me.
We shake hands and I could feel the warmth of his soul radiating through. “I’m Geneviève’s son,” he said with a lulling French accent. “Maman’s told me a lot about you. You’re writing a history book?” “It’s a love story set in medieval Yvoire,” I said. “Maybe you should have your own love story,” his aquamarine eyes twinkling.
I smiled back. Yes, I’d like that very much.
© Image credit: Audrey – Charming Fashion Theme