89. Clarissa

As the morning sun filtered through the plush curtains of my hotel room, I woke up feeling refreshed after a long flight to Paris the day before.

I stretched out my limbs and savored the feeling of the soft sheets of my king-sized bed as they enveloped me in a warm embrace. Despite the luxurious surroundings, I felt a pang of loneliness as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I reached for the telephone on the nightstand, dialled my family and waited for it to ring.

The sound of Bryon's voice filed me with comfort. Although we only spoke for a few minutes, I felt my spirits lift as we chatted about my travels and plans for the day.

As I hung up the phone, I changed into my running gear. The soft tank top and yoga pants felt comfortable against my skin as I got dressed. I grabbed my airpods and headed downstairs, eager to take in the sights and sounds of the city. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, and the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow on the streets outsid