The scent of gorse

The sound of the car door slamming echoed across the car park. I watched as the car lights left the carpark and pulled away up the hill. Shouldering my pack I wander down through the half closed main street of this coastal village. Out of season there are few people around, there's the shop that sells Cornish fudge, the kids used to love that when they were little. The shop is just operning so I buy a small packet, the stuff is disgustingly sweet but I have a long way to go I might need a sugar burst later.

That's the pub were Dad managed to tip a pint of beer onto my lap, the chip shop - closed for renervations, re-operning in April- that has provided many an evening meal, the b&b the Captain and I stayed in one weekend many years ago.

The shop that sells lucky charms is still there, I had one for years until I lost it on a trip to Australia. Deciding to buy a replacement, a 'Joan o'the wad' I swing my pack off and retrieve my purse, tucked in the back is a note

Happy Valentine's day, see you tomorrow xx

Later, walking along the wild Cornish cliffs with the wind buffeting me, the seagulls screaming over head and the scent of gorse in the air I feel grateful, sometimes the best gift you can give someone is the chance to be alone.