Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 157175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
‘That’s just fine. As long as you’re comfortable.’
Elsie pulls her cover-up over her head, revealing a toned, curvy figure dressed in a black leotard. I’m in slight awe; the woman must be in her sixties, and she looks amazing. Sitting on her bottom and crossing her legs with ease, she motions me to follow, which I do, a little nervous.
‘Breathe in through your nose slowly, and out through your mouth. In and out. In and out. Clear your mind, and let me take you on a journey to another world.’
I wrestle to clear my mind, which is trickier than it probably should be, but it’s been so full for days, fighting to find memories, trying to surmise what certain things mean. I squeeze my eyes shut and listen to Elsie’s voice, quiet and soothing, guiding me through the process to achieve complete clear headspace.
Peace.
It settles over me like a warm blanket, and I fall into a trance, focusing on Elsie’s quiet instructions as she guides me through some simple poses, ones that apparently cleanse the body of stress. And it works.
I follow her lead, accepting the help she offers when I struggle to get a few things right, my leg aching a bit in certain poses. Not too much, but enough for me to have to ask her to stop.
An hour later, I’m on my back, my legs up against a wall, my mind clear. ‘You did so well, Ava,’ Elsie says, helping me get my legs down. ‘I’ll wait for you in reception. Take your time.’
I slowly get to my feet, stretching. I feel like I’ve had a week’s worth of sleep, my body and mind revitalised and fresh. That was so wonderful. I smile, despite not finding any memories, a new sense of hope and contentment flourishing as I collect my bag and make my way out of the studio, ready to thank Elsie from the bottom of my heart for suggesting this.
I find her sitting on a soft velvet chair, rubbing some cream into her hands. ‘Elsie, I can’t thank you enough,’ I gush, so pleased. ‘I feel like a new woman already.’
Elsie’s face scrunches into a little impish grin as she stands and approaches, taking my hands. Her skin is soft, and the smell of sweet jasmine immediately hits my nose, seeming to add another layer of peace over me. Honestly, this woman, this place, it’s like an amazing medicine.
‘I told John this would be good for you. He’s told me all about that man of yours.’ Her head tilts cheekily, and I laugh a little. ‘Passionate, but a little overbearing, yes?’
‘A little,’ I admit, not wanting to bring him down too much. I know he’s struggling, too. ‘He means well.’
‘Of course he does. He loves you with a fire in his soul. Now, will I be seeing you again?’
‘God, yes. How much do I owe you for today?’
Her hand stops mine from going into my purse. ‘I don’t charge friends,’ she says, looking past me when the door behind us opens. ‘Can I help you?’
I turn and see a woman gingerly entering. She shuts the door behind her, pulling her bag higher on her shoulder. ‘I was told you do yoga sessions here.’
‘Why yes, dear,’ Elsie glides across to her, her friendly smile almost sorry. ‘But I’m afraid I only teach one student at a time, and my schedule is rather full.’
‘Oh, I see.’ The woman looks sad now, too, and I find myself stepping forward.
‘I don’t mind sharing my session, Elsie,’ I say, smiling at the woman when her eyes sparkle hopefully. After all, I’m not paying. I feel bad for hogging a whole hour of Elsie’s time, and she refuses to take my money.
‘Are you sure, Ava?’ Elsie takes my hand and squeezes.
I look to the woman and smile. ‘I’m sure she won’t make much noise.’
Elsie laughs, as does the woman. ‘I’m sorry, my name is Zara.’ She offers her hand. ‘You really don’t have to do this.’
‘It’s fine.’ I brush it off. To be fair, she looks like she could do with the serenity of this place, too. She looks a little sad. ‘I’m Ava.’
‘Lovely to meet you, Ava.’
‘I’ll leave you two to see yourselves out.’ Elsie wanders back to the studio. ‘I need to prepare for my next session. See you Friday, then?’
‘See you, Elsie,’ I call, turning back to Zara.
‘I can’t thank you enough,’ she gushes. ‘I recently moved to the city after a shitty break-up and I’m trying to keep myself busy in my spare time, and I could really do with trying to chill out. Break-ups are stressful.’
‘You don’t have to thank me. Today was my first session with Elsie. She is just wonderful. You’ll love it.’
‘Can’t wait. So I guess I’ll see you on Friday.’
‘Do you fancy a coffee?’ It comes from nowhere, startling me. But her face is so friendly and warm, and, for the first time, I’m not frantically searching my head for the right things to say.