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A catfish.

Everything happens for a reason and ending things before they could start was for the best.

Except when I shut my eyes, I see his foolishly handsome face smirking at me flirtatiously. I groan in frustration at the ceiling. Turning on my belly, I bury my face into the pillow and will myself to sleep.

I can’t wait to fly to Switzerland and find a sexy and burly Swiss man.

Fuck him until this stupid crush is out of my system.

By the time I return, I’ll be like…Julian who?

CHAPTER – 6

Twinkle

If there is heaven on earth, I believe I’ve stumbled upon it.

Switzerland is jaw-droppingly scenic. Blissful beyond words. It carries so much beauty and peace in the air that I can feel them in my pores.

I landed at the Zurich Airport in the afternoon. The eight-hour flight was as expected—boring and tiring—so much so that the initial thrill of going on my first solo trip quickly dissipated. There’s only so much you can do while being buckled to your seat, with other passengers snoring in your ears. Reading isn’t something I enjoy, and I don’t have the attention span to watch more than one movie in a day.

However, upon arriving, my excitement was back to full throttle.

Adrenaline mixed with nerves was pumping in my veins.

I did it… I wanted to shout.

Now, I’m on my way to Zermatt, a quaint, touristy, and vibrant village known for its exuberant Christmas celebrations.People from all over the world visit it in the winter season. A perfect destination for the holidays.

I’m so pumped to explore all that it has to offer, especially the gorgeous and cozy chalet-style lodge I booked in advance for my stay. They look so cute, straight out of a Hallmark movie.

I’m thrumming with need; my feet aren’t staying still. My itinerary is a mile long and I hope I’m able to get through half of it.

From the airport, I went to the railway station to catch my train to Zermatt and reached my destination right on time.

Ever since I stepped foot on the train and sat in the window seat, I haven’t blinked once. I’ve been in awe while staring outside as we glide through tunnels and curves. There is a rich abundance of greenery, snowy hilltops, and the endless sky.

The trains and the stations here put the ones back home to shame.

While the inside of the train is warm, the outside is chilly as hell. The amount of snow and mountains has left me speechless. I haven’t seen so much of it in person. The closer we get to Zermatt, the thicker the snow becomes, making me want to sprint outside and face-plant myself in it.

Hopefully, I get a chance to build a snowman. Won’t that be fun? One is never too old to play with a snowman.

I cinch my trench coat tighter around my body as I sip my hot mocha. A jolt passing through my limbs at the welcome burst of warmth. The next hour flies by quickly, and the sun has almost set as the train whooshes to a stop. My body doesn’t even jerk, it’s that smooth and perfect.

I stand up as other passengers do the same, a few of them are tourists like me. Although they’re with family or friends, I strangely don’t feel alone. However, I do miss Tina and her constant bickering.

I definitely took a risk vacationing here in December, when the weather is extremely cold with equal chances of rain. But I’ve come prepared. I’m also not a fan of large crowds and prefer tranquility, so the fact that this trip will be slow and intimate is just a bonus.

I want to experience the local culture without the hustle and bustle of the tourists. To be a part of their culture as they celebrate the year-end festivities.

Gathering my big suitcase and hefting my handbag higher on my shoulder, I trail down the aisle. When the door swings open, a cold blast of air smacks me in the face.

Whoa… there’s no kidding about with winters here. Zermatt is at an even higher altitude with the stunning view of the Matterhorn glaciers. A spot I’m dying to see.

Despite the cold, I smile giddily like a lunatic. I can only imagine what I look like to other people: someone who has come out of hibernation after ages.

“Thank you,” I murmur to the man who helps me by lifting my suitcase to the platform. The station is surprisingly buzzing with shouts and whistles, as well as people rushing and talking loudly. Everyone is hurrying toward the electric cabs, waiting to take them to their hotels or homes.