Ancient Serenity

You both reminisced about the fun time you had together in Bali. You couldn't stop talking about it. It had been a year, almost to the date since you were there spending quality time within every moment you spent together. Since you came back, he had a strict filming schedule, and you had various articles and stories written in thatduration. You had been a guest on various podcasts and "Instagram Live" interviews for your recently published novel. That trip had rejuvenated you both to where you were like 2 charged cellphone batteries ready to take on the world!! One night over dinner, you started talking about the mystery of ancient structures that fascinated you. You had mentioned that you always wanted to see the temples of Cambodia and others in the surrounding areas. His eyes lit up, intrigued by what you were saying. You showed him some photos you found on Pinterest and told him about how the abandoned temple in the wilderness was a beautiful aesthetic to you, especially how nature had reclaimed it.

That part made you both sad since it would eventually overtake the structure, ruining it even more until it topples from the weight and expansion of the plants and trees. He then got an idea and asked you if you'd like to go there and see it with your own eyes, while it's still relatively intact. He mentioned that his schedule is about to open up again and would love to go on another relaxing getaway with you. Upon hearing his suggestions, you had the biggest smile and gave him the biggest hug. He laughed and hugged you back and, while hugging you, he whispered into your ear, "I love your passion for these things. You make everything so exciting and unexpected! You amaze me with your curiosity. " You felt your eyes well up with tears of joy and you gently squeezed him to let him know that you heard what he said but were too emotional to say anything. He sensed that and looked into your eyes, by this time noticing your tears that have now gently trickled down your cheeks. He gave you a sincere look as you looked up to him. He's a few inches taller than you. He smiled as you both were locked in a gaze. He then leaned in and kissed you when he started to notice more tears. 

You were like this for a few minutes until you gently pulled away to look at him again. You told him that it would be a dream to go there with him. He grinned upon seeing your joy and then got a burst of excitement. "It's settled then! We'll plan it for next month! Does that work for you?" He asked. You thought for a second and then said yes. You didn't have any pressing schedules, except for a couple of articles, which you had already written the rough drafts. You figured they'd be completed before the time came around for your trip. After a few days, he sent you an email while you were away in another state for a book signing over the weekend. It was the trip itinerary and the accommodation details. You got chills of excitement and couldn't wait to get home so you two could get ready for your trip together. Sure enough, time flew, and the next thing you know, you were back home and were packing together since your flight was in 2 days. You spent those two days finalizing everything and enjoying your free time at home together before your trip. Finally, the morning of the trip was here. The driver picked you both up at 5 am. It was still dark outside. When you got to the airport and checked in, you were both able to relax in the airport lounge before your flight. You both hadn't eaten since you left the house, so you enjoyed the spread of breakfast snacks that were available to you. There were various pastries, muffins, fruits, meats and cheeses. There was also a coffee, and mimosa bar. You both enjoyed it as time flew. After you boarded the plane, you had the window seat. He knew it was your favorite seat. 

As the plane took off, you held hands and felt euphoria from the lift off sensation. Your trip had officially begun. After many hours, you finally arrived. When you got to your resort, it was more beautiful than the photos. 

There was a cold bottle of champagne on the coffee table next to some fruit and candies. You were both tired on the drive up, but got a subtle burst of energy after seeing your accommodations for the coming few weeks. That duration was enough to explore everything at a leisurely pace and not feel the need to rush anything. After exploring the spaces

thoroughly, you both decided to

unwind for the night. You changed into

your lounge clothes and went to sit on

the terrace with your champagne and

fruits. Dusk turned into night after a

beautiful sunset. The only sound,

other than some ambient music were

from nature. The sound of frogs and

the gentle breeze gave you both calm

serenity. The stars in the sky reminded

you of diamonds. They were so bright

as they looked like they were

embedded on indigo velvet. You talked

about your idea for your next book, but

you didn't have much to go on yet. You had only recently begun thinking about it. He

told you that he can't wait to read it

when it's done. Shortly after, you both

felt tired, so you decided to go in and

get ready for bed. 

That night you showed him how much you

appreciated him before you both fell

asleep in total comfort. The next

morning, you woke up in each other's

arms. The bed sheets were bunched

up in one corner, as it got pretty warm

during the night. You were in each

other's arms as he kissed the back of

your neck after he mumbled "good

morning" in a voice like he just woke

up. When you felt the sensation of his

lips gently touching your skin, you felt

a tingle of excitement. You then turned around to face him. He was looking sincerely at you, eyes halfway open. Your head was on the pillow as you looked up into his eyes. He continued to kiss you until you were both awake. It was a relaxing way to wake up. Eventually you both got out of bed, freshened up, had some coffee and pastries for breakfast and then went to the lobby and common areas to wait for the car to take you to the main temple structure. He was being his funny cute self while you waited. 

When you arrived to the site, it was drizzling. You found a path through the forest until you finally arrived at the temple ruins. 

It was more beautiful than you could ever imagine. The forest had a beautiful indescribable scent that you couldn't explain, but it added to the mood. It was blended with the scent of rain. You both spent all day exploring the site, taking photos and talking about the mysteries of the past cultures.

Every so often, you'd find yourselves in a secluded area of the temple, among beautifully carved stone structures.

You'd both take moments to steal

kisses. At one point, you heard a

distinctive sound. You started to hear

monotonous chanting.then the scent

of incense reached your senses. You

were intrigued, so you followed the

sound. To your amazement, you saw a

procession of monks walking through

the site. You were mesmerized by the

sight. You loved how the orange color

of their robes were a sharp contrast to

their surroundings. You observed

them from a distance so as to not

disturb them. You took more photos,

planning to frame some of you

favorites in your study space at home.

You both couldn't be happier at the

serendipity of seeing this happen

while you were there. That night you

both talked about your day over an

amazing dinner that was at your

resort. The atmosphere was dim, lit

only with beautiful lanterns, that also

accentuated the architecture of the

space. It was the first of many relaxing

days and nights here. Over the course

of your stay, you explored more ruins as well as the nearby town. 

You strolled in the villages and bought a few souvenirs for yourselves and for your friends. During the flight home, you thanked him for making this happen. He

blushed and smiled. He then told you

that he loved how you inspire him to notice things that he didn't really know

much about. You smiled and told him

something similar in the way that he

inspired you to not give up on your

dreams and that you believe your life

path has been impacted in a positive

way since meeting him. You divulged

that you're planning on writing a script

soon. He got a surprised look the

moment he heard you say this. His

reaction motivated you even more,

giving you the confidence that will

motivate you to complete this new

endeavor. He offered to help you if you

needed to know anything from his

perspective as an actor who reads

scripts for a living. You told him that

you appreciate it and will definitely ask

him when the time comes. Again, you

two returned to your lives, rested and

rejuvenated after a relaxing and

exciting trip. Exciting in the fact that

these trips seem to cause epiphanies

for your future plans. It happens

because you're at a point of internal

peace. The result of following your

dreams as well as having the most caring, empathic boyfriend who seems to understand your every need. You also enjoyed taking care of him, being there for him. This simultaneous dance of compassion and love energized you both into becoming true to your hearts where you can be at peace together. 

Since you both were happy inside, you were happy together. You didn't complete each other because you both were already whole. You compliment each other, and that created a bond of pure love, not codependency. That would ensure that you both will find happiness together among the littlest things. The mutual brightness you both radiate out to the world can be understood by anyone you encounter because they will sense a feeling of calm when they are around either of you. The moment he supported you after the script you wrote turned into a film, you knew that his sincerity and kindness was a sign of his gentle heart. 

You were inseparable and built an amazing life together. You decided to begin writing a memoir because the world deserved to know that happy endings are real and not just a fantasy.♡

IG: Ancient Serenity

All photos found via Pinterest. I don't take any credit for the images used. Pictures of Timothée Chalamet via GQ and others via his story post and a photo shoot in Venice 2022. Some captured by Julian Ungano Studio.