My daughter convinced me to go on vacation to the seaside: “All inclusive, Mom, you won’t have to do a thing.” I paid for the tickets myself. Upon arrival, I discovered I’d be staying with my grandchildren, while she and my son-in-law would be in a different building.

The sea was so blue it hurt my eyes.

 

The wind blew my hair, the sun warmed my shoulders, and no one called me, asked for a toy, or wanted to know when dinner would be ready.

 

I was completely alone, and for the first time in many years, I didn’t feel guilty about it.

 

In one of the bays the ship stopped and passengers began jumping into the water.

 

I looked for a long time at the stairs leading towards the sea.

 

At my age, I no longer felt like taking risks or doing irresponsible things, but the water seemed so clean and calm that I decided to give it a try.

 

I went down the stairs, carefully entered the sea and started swimming.

 

It’s been a while since I last swam in open water.

 

And now I didn’t have to worry about anyone’s sleeves, count the children, or keep track of every call.