My friend and I spent the day hiking, taking in the fresh air, and laughing at our own clumsy attempts to skip stones across the water. We found a small café near the lake, with big windows that let in the golden afternoon light, and spent hours there, sipping coffee and talking about life. That night, back at the inn, we cracked open a bottle of wine and sat on the small balcony, sharing stories under a blanket of stars. It felt like I’d stepped out of my everyday life and into a different world, where time slowed down, and everything was simple.

By the time I returned home, the air was crisp with the promise of a new day. My husband greeted me with a gentle hug, and as we sat down to breakfast, I told him about the trip—the hike, the stars, the moments of peace I’d found. I felt lighter, as if I’d shed a weight I didn’t even know I was carrying, and his quiet understanding reminded me why I cherish both the freedom he gives me and the life we share together.