THE SUITE LIFE
by Michael L. Craver
Adjusting to sleeping on the balcony wasn’t easy on her. This
was the most expensive room; where just outside the temperature was coldest at
night.
He grew up in a less fortunate situation. Everyone in the family contributed
for vacation to happen. There simply wasn’t enough money in smaller
denominations. Nonetheless, their problems followed them wherever they went.
Even away from home, each scenario seemed to present a struggle.
With so many people staying in one room, there wasn’t a place for sleeping
simultaneously. Not inside there wasn’t. This is where his tradition began.
Every trip to the beach he slept on the balcony. As he grew older, he’d even
sleep there alone. Sure, this caused issues when he was taking a trip with a
girl. Because he’d leave her sleeping in the bed to go outside.
This woman was different. Now he knew that she was the one… She followed him
outside and woke up smelling sunshine. The dry sweetness off the ocean and breeze
cooling their skin. Like some higher power was blowing off a spoonful of warm
soup, skin was crisp and yet the wind was bringing balance. Like a blacksmith
dipping a hot iron into water, love was forged.
Ocean sounds and treated lumber composed a love-hate relationship. Like the restraints of a rollercoaster, this was not a comfortable environment. Crashing waves covered the sounds of the clinking deck. The antithesis of an empty stomach from the sudden drop of an amusement ride, she felt fulfilled with warmth inside. Life and love coming together as she squinted towards the shore drenched by the tide.
After that morning, something was born. Each night of vacation they carried a little something extra with them. A competition of compassion took place as he insisted to come inside to the bed she’d always known. She pleaded to step outside into nature’s recipe of perfection. Whether inside or outside of that patio door, each of them was willing to cross thresholds for the other.
Pulling off the trip had never been easy. Despite the obstacles, this sand was the place he loved the most. Always yearning to return, she was the beach that had never abandoned him. For her it was the best deck anyone ever shared with her. Worth every penny, the top floor receives the brightest sunshine and the wind blows strongest. Standards that are on a platform above all others. Though tides wash away each step and every year boards are painted over. Their first impressions will last forever.
Kenny Chesney
