Shirley savoured every moment she spent at Robert’s side, casting long, languorous glances at her lover. She adored his thick hair that danced in the wind, and his dark eyes that shone like moonlight. The moment was magical; the gentle lapping of the waves under the autumn sun and the infinite horizon were living poetry. She felt so at home in this Mercedes, as their German power car sped down Route 101. Shirley and her beau had now been travelling across the West Coast of the USA for two days. They’d set off from the port of San Diego and watched the landscape unfurl before their eyes, with the sea whispering in their ears and the sun beating upon their foreheads. The weather was mild in California at this time of year. In the autumn, it never got too hot or too cold. “Bring a jacket, in case the breeze picks up”, Robert had told her before they left. “I can’t believe we’re going to be driving on Route 101. I’ve always dreamed of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge!” she exclaimed.
The US 101 is known as the ‘Oregon Coast Highway’ in Oregon, and as the ‘Pacific Highway’ in many parts of California. Southern Californians call it, simply, ‘the One-O-One’. It was a legendary, iconic road, and Shirley was not disappointed.
“It’s so pretty!”
“Yeah, the sea views are incredible,” said Robert.
“I don’t mean the views, I mean the road!”
Shirley wrapped her arms around her lover, and nibbled at his ears. She couldn’t wait to arrive in San Francisco. Every adventure has its end, and their vacation would soon be over. She pictured the vast bridge coming into view, towering before them. She hoped that she’d be able to see it from far off. Life was good in California. It was a state you could spend days, months and years exploring. You were never done visiting California, they said.
“Should we sleep out under the stars and admire the bridge?” asked Shirley.
“If you want to. We can even watch the sun coming up over the Golden Gate...”
“That would be so romantic!” insisted Shirley.
Robert handed her a piping hot cup of coffee. She brought it to her lips and continued her reverie. The tide was coming in, and the sea was starting to look rough. Soon they’d have to get back on the 101. Shirley enjoyed these moments of tenderness; the two of them alone, admiring the sea. Her thoughts came clearly, and her mind was at ease. She could not abide the stress and the traffic of Los Angeles, the city of angels. After they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge they’d continue through the wine country and the sequoia forests. Shirley hugged Robert one last time before they got back on the road. She sat on the right, as Robert put away the flasks of tea and coffee.
Then they sat off again, San Francisco-bound.
Alan Alfredo Geday
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