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I was only twelve years old when they went through an ugly divorce. The repercussions of it shattered my happy and bubbly world. My favorite holidays became a living nightmare.

Between their fights and animosity, I slowly faded into the background until they forgot about me completely. Laughter turned into bitterness; affection was forgotten until I learned the hard way that I had to grow on my own while they moved on with their lives.

While it irrevocably changed my views regarding marriage, I didn’t let it make me bitter about the little things in life. Or walk around with a chip on my shoulder.

I promised myself to live it to the fullest and appreciate those who made the effort to be in my life, like my best friend Tina and her family.

Her parents think of me as their adoptive child and never made me ache for the love and tight-knit bond of a family. Their love for me showed every year, when they celebrated Christmas and did all the traditions after hearing through Tina about the tainted memories of my past.

They took it upon themselves to replace those sad and lonely days with laughter and cheer so I didn’t feel like I was alone. The first time they had surprised me, I had cried, overwhelmed with their affection and thoughtfulness.

It’s why I’m a little sad that this year, I will be missing the holidays with them. I’ve decided to cross off one item on my bucket list, which is embarking on my first ever solo trip.

To none other than Switzerland.

It’s going to be even more special and amazing and thrilling.

I’m too excited and tempted to lose myself in the beautiful scenery, rustic and vintage villas, snow, and small-town rituals.

And if I’m daring enough, I might even check off my naughty list.

Like I said, this year’s celebrations will be different and hopefully… a whole lot kinkier. With a perfect stranger, if luck is on my side.

Yep, I’ll be ending this year with a literal bang.

A wham, bam, thank you, sir.

The phone ringing yanks me out of my depraved daydreams. Tina’s name flashes on the screen and I pick it up to answer on the second ring.

“What’s up, Tina?”

“Do you know that Switzerland isn’t even in the top five places to visit for Christmas or New Year’s Eve?”

I hold back a laugh. “Let me guess… New York is?”

“Hell yeah, which is why you should come with me.”

My ever-so-protective best friend isn’t so keen on me traveling without her, especially during New Year’s.

“The villa I booked is nonrefundable and so are the flight tickets,” I explain. The woman has been trying to persuade me to go with her to New York, which she planned with her colleagues. It will be the first time we’ll be celebrating separately. “Besides, you know a solo trip has been on my bucket list and Switzerland is one of the destinations I’ve always wanted to visit.”

“Of course I know,” she half grumbles, half complains. “I can’t believe we won’t be together. Who will be my drinking buddy now?”

“I’m sure you’ll find someone.”

“But you’re my favorite.”

“And you’re mine.” I smile. “When I return, we’ll get drunk together.”

“Yeah, your ass better be on the next flight home right after New Year’s Eve.”

“Promise.”

After discussing more mundane stuff and the latest office gossip, we hang up. I pack the last of my things and check to make sure I have two copies of my itinerary. My heart is beating so wildly, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.

A handbag is all that remains to be packed, which I’ll finish a day before the flight.

As for my small business, I’ve already posted on my website and social media pages that the shop will be closed as I’ll be going on a much-needed vacation. Over the months,my community of customers and online followers has become a close-knit family where I can just be me.