Ella has been working nonstop for years since she moved to Florence. She couldn’t even blame her hard work on the company she worked for. She didn’t give herself a break and just overloaded herself, this way she stopped thinking about what she had left behind. Keeping herself as busy as she could, her head wouldn’t wander to her mom and sister she missed so badly.

A client from Madrid had called early in the morning blasting at her in anger, because of the malfunctioning of the software that she had developed for them. Calming them down and convincing them to upgrade some of their equipment for better functioning were exhausting. While talking to them, Ella felt the first signs of a headache to sum up to her already tired state of mind. Cursing under her breath and massaging her temples she hung up the phone with a loud sigh, 'cause to top it off Ella would have to pay them a visit to set everything up.

The week spent in Madrid was far from easy, she fixed the software, acquired the new equipments, made them work in accord, trained personnel and tolerated some staff outbursts, like they were spoiled brats testing her patience to the limit. Ella had it. She was about to give a piece of her mind, and get in trouble with her own boss, so she swallowed her anger, smiled and finished her job with contempt.

Once she was done she called Valentina, her secretary, back in her office and asked to change her return plane ticket for a cruise boarding pass. Maybe four or five days on board of a ship was just what she needed to recharge her energy.

The Idea of returning by ship stunned her suddenly and it was a nice alternative of a very short vacation. Ella didn’t have the right packing for it, but nothing that a trip to the ship’s stores wouldn’t fix it. The excitement to get to her cabin settle in and go for a swim took her in a frenzy. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, and so far she was enjoying her self awarded vacation. It was almost the end of summer and the weather was perfect. Bright blue skies, sunshine and a delicious sea breeze.

Fumbling in one of her bags, she pulled out her new black triangle bikini and inspected it. Ella flushed looking at them. Ok, she wasn’t a prude, but the thing seemed a tine little piece of cloth. Frowning at it again, she put it on and went to the mirror to stare at herself. She was taller than average with long toned legs acquired with much effort in her morning runs. The bikini settled perfectly on her curves and snuggled nicely on her full breasts. Ella turned around a few times inspecting the image reflecting in the mirror, maybe she should have gotten a one piece, and it didn’t matter how many times people told her she was a beautiful woman, she knew she wasn't the skinny type and never got over her scars.

Ella loved her skin, but now she didn’t look at herself with the same wonder as before; her scars were more visible against her golden tanned skin tone. The little faded lines... Mostly were small and thin barely noticeable, and some others bigger and wider marrying some parts of her body. The car accident a few years back took even that from her, usually the golden glow of her skin was perfect to make her bright green eyes pop framed by thick full lashes and arched brows that would rise up in defiance the moment she got annoyed.

“Well Ella, get over your fears and stop being a chickenshit! Look, what a gorgeous weather you’re missing outside," she told her reflection and started working her long black hair in a braid. From another bag she grabbed a floppy brim sun hat, a cover up, and winking at herself she left the cabin.

She spent the afternoon by the pool, enjoyed a mouth watering dinner and made a note to herself to go back there next evening. The night was beautiful, dark and full of sparkling stars framing the sky; it was impossible not to register that moment with people mingling around all joyfully talking. She took her camera out and started shooting some photos capturing the different people there and the happy faces maybe in the future she'd used them for work, then she sat in one of the chaises on the deck and grabbed a book losing herself in the story.

Waking up late and refreshed next day and since she missed breakfast, Ella took her time in the shower and lazily got herself ready for lunch. She tied her hair up in a high ponytail, and wearing her bikini under a faded jeans shorts and a tank top, Ella put her bag on the shoulders and headed to the door.

“Oh… for Christ’s sake!” She turned the knob and nothing. “How do I get out of here?”

Pressing hard at the intercom, Ella called out, “Hello, is there anyone there. My door is jammed! Please,” She waited, tapping her foot on the floor and the only noise coming from outside was silence.

Ella punched at the door of her cabin for some time again and tried the intercom once more before frustration engulfed her and decided to take matters to her own hands. She gave herself some room, shook her arms and legs trying to relax, inhaled and went against the door as hard as she could. She just had time to acknowledge a loud scream before she rolled out of her room and landed in an unladylike position in the corridor.

“Ouch! What the hell!”