On a cold Christmas evening, Jane found herself lost in the foreign city of Barcelona, where she didn't speak the language. She had been visiting her aunt and uncle for the holidays and had decided to go for a walk to explore the city. She had been admiring the beautiful Christmas lights and festive decorations that adorned the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
But as the sun began to set, Jane realized that she had gotten turned around and was no longer sure how to get back to her aunt and uncle's apartment. She had been so caught up in the holiday spirit that she had forgotten to pay attention to her surroundings, and now she was lost in a city where she didn't speak the language.
Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Jane pulled out her phone and opened the translation app. She typed in a question, hoping to find out where she was and how to get back to her aunt and uncle's apartment. The app dutifully translated her question into Spanish, the local language, and showed the text on the screen.
Excited to finally have a way to communicate, Jane approached a passerby and held out her phone, showing them the translation. However, the person just looked at the phone confused and shook their head, unable to understand what the translation was trying to say. Jane realized that the translation app was not always accurate and that it was difficult to convey the complexity of her situation through a few short phrases.
Feeling frustrated and helpless, Jane decided to try another approach. She started pointing to landmarks and objects, trying to use the translation app to communicate through gestures and pictures. She pointed to the Christmas lights and decorations, hoping that the person would understand that she was looking for her aunt and uncle's apartment. But no matter what she did, she seemed to be misunderstood. The person just looked at her quizzically and shrugged their shoulders, unable to help.
As the evening wore on, Jane became increasingly frustrated with the translation app. She started to feel like she was trapped in a foreign city, unable to communicate or get help. She began to feel hopeless and alone, wondering if she would ever find her way back to her aunt and uncle's apartment. She wrapped her coat tighter around her and hunched her shoulders against the cold, feeling the weight of her isolation.
Just when she was about to give up, she came across a kind-looking local named Maria who spoke a little bit of English. Jane was able to explain her situation and ask for directions to her aunt and uncle's apartment. Maria listened attentively and nodded, seeming to understand. She gestured for Jane to follow her, and the two of them set off through the winding streets of Barcelona.
As they walked, Jane couldn't help but feel grateful for the kindness and generosity of Maria, who had gone out of her way to help a stranger on a cold Christmas evening. She chatted with Maria in her broken English, learning that she was a student studying abroad in Barcelona. Jane told Maria about her own studies and her love for traveling, and the two of them quickly formed a connection.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at her aunt and uncle's apartment. Jane hugged Maria tightly, thanking her profusely for her help. Maria smiled and hugged her back, wishing her a Merry Christmas.
As they settled in for the night, Jane couldn't help but feel grateful for the kindness and generosity of Maria, who had helped her find her way back home on this cold Christmas evening in Barcelona. As a token of her gratitude, Jane invited Maria to join them for Christmas dinner the next day. And so, the three of them sat around the table, sharing a warm
festive meal together, surrounded by the love and joy of the holiday season in the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Jane's aunt and uncle were overjoyed to see her safe and sound, and they thanked Maria for her help. Maria blushed and waved off their thanks, saying that it was the least she could do. They all sat around the table, chatting and laughing, enjoying the delicious food and each other's company.
As the night wore on, Jane couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and joy. She was grateful to be surrounded by her loved ones, and to have made a new friend in Maria. She knew that she would always remember this Christmas in Barcelona, and the kindness of the strangers who had helped her find her way back home.
As they all said their goodbyes and prepared for bed, Jane slipped into her warm and cozy bed, feeling content and at peace. She knew that no matter where her travels took her, she would always carry the memories and lessons of this special Christmas in Barcelona with her. And with that thought, she drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the warmth and love of the holiday season.The next morning, Jane woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She sat up in bed and looked around her aunt and uncle's apartment, feeling grateful for the comfort and familiarity of her surroundings. She slipped out of bed and made her way to the kitchen, where she found her aunt and uncle already bustling about, preparing breakfast.
Jane joined in, helping to set the table and pouring cups of steaming coffee. As they worked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. She had always loved Christmas, and she was looking forward to spending the day with her loved ones, celebrating and making memories.
As they sat down to breakfast, they were joined by Maria, who had accepted their invitation to join them for the day. Jane beamed at Maria, feeling grateful for her presence and friendship. The four of them sat around the table, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their breakfast.
After breakfast, they set off to explore the city. Jane's aunt and uncle showed her some of their favorite spots in Barcelona, including the beautiful Gothic Quarter and the bustling Boqueria market. They wandered through the streets, marveling at the sights and sounds of the city.
As they walked, Jane couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and wonder. She was grateful to be experiencing all of these new things with her loved ones and with Maria, who had become like a sister to her. She knew that she would always remember this special Christmas in Barcelona, and the bond that she had formed with Maria.
As the day drew to a close, they made their way back to the apartment, feeling tired but content. They sat around the table, sharing a warm and festive dinner together, surrounded by the love and joy of the holiday season.
As they said their goodbyes and prepared for bed, Jane slipped into her warm and cozy bed, feeling grateful and content. She knew that no matter where her travels took her, she would always carry the memories and lessons of this special Christmas in Barcelona with her. And with that thought, she drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the warmth and love of the holiday season.
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4 comments
Hi Sarah! Interesting choice to go for a third person approach to the story. I think what would have gripped me more is flipping it to first person and hearing her feelings in more depth and maybe some of the conversations. I felt far away while reading this like it was a bed time story. Regardless, it was a pretty good bedtime story!
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That is a good critique. I will consider going first person in my next story. Thank you for reading it Narelle. :)
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This is lovely, Sarah! The gift of kindness and friendship at Christmas are the most wonderful things. :)
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Thank you so much Wendy! :)
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