Reine woke up the next morning feeling better than she had since the fight with Ciaran. A smile flitted across her face as she slipped on the new bikini purchased the day prior. Heading toward the kitchen, she grabbed a cup of coffee before walking to the pool. Viv and Miki were already lounging.

“Morning, Reine,” Viv greeted. “Ciaran seemed a bit off after the carnival yesterday. I guess you guys had a big talk. I hope things went OK? You went off by yourself after dinner.”

Reine knew this was her way of asking politely what happened. “Yea, it will be fine. I don’t think Ciaran was ready for me to walk away, but I needed to for my sanity. I’ve had weeks to process it, though. He just needs time and space.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Miki said. “He probably has some complicated feelings right now.” She sighed, “I was hoping this would be a proper break…”

“I’m going to get something to drink,” Viv said, heading toward the kitchen.

Miki adjusted the umbrella as Reine put on suncream. “I just… I want this trip to be fun. It’s been kind of hard to relax lately. And having a break up right near me isn’t a great way to relax.”

Reine’s eyes narrowed as her good vibes shattered. “Oh right, I forgot to tell you, Ciaran and I were trying to see what we could do to make your holiday miserable. It was my idea to break up with Ciaran to ruin your holiday.” Reine stood up, collecting her coffee and suncream. “If you want to relax, you might try turning off your phone.” She shot over her shoulder as she left.

“Reine!” Miki called out after her. But Reine kept walking as she shook her head.

She was headed back to her room when she saw Elladine talking to… a vase. “You might be perfect to the untrained eye, but I see you there.”

“Are you all right?” Reine asked.

“Yea,” Elladine said, smiling at her. “I was just keeping my mind busy. I’ve been worried about my Nan.” She patted the bed, and Reine sat beside her. “She’s not doing well, and she needs a caretaker. My family thinks because I’m a celebrity now that I have all the time in the world.”

“That’s hard.” Reine said, “Is this a long-term thing?”

“I’m afraid so,” Elladine said sadly, “She needs caring for, and she wants it to be someone she can trust.”

“And the family just expects you to do it?” Reine asked.

Elladine nodded. “It’s like they decided for me. I don’t feel like I control my life.”

“Do you need to vent, or would you like some ideas?” Reine asked.

Elladine sighed, “Some ideas if you’ve got any.”

“I can tell that you want to help your Nan,” Reine said, “But taking on elder care by yourself is a lot on anyone. Why not have the family help you? Everyone takes turns on different days of the week to take care of Nan. That way, everyone is involved and knows what is going on with Nan. If they refuse to help, you slowly bring help slowly so Nan can get to know them. If being with Ciaran has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t let indecision take over, or it will run your life, and you won’t have control.”

“You know that’s a good idea,” Elladine said, “If everyone is so concerned, they can help me take care of Nan. If not, I know they were trying to palm off the responsibility.” Her face screwed up in disgust, “I’ve seen them act that way before, but if they are genuine, then that works too, and it won’t fall all on me.”