#95 - When everyone’s on holiday and you’re not

About feeling left behind while the world seems to shine. Inspired by Lily.

It started with a text-free day. Then two. Then a week.

Lily scrolls through her phone, trying not to take it personally that her group chat has suddenly turned into a digital ghost town—aside from the daily onslaught of beach selfies, Aperol Spritz boomerangs, and legs-on-a-lounge-chair pics on social media. (“Hot dogs or legs,” Lily mutters.)

What stung most isn’t the cocktails or sunsets—it’s the silence. Not a single “Wish you were here!” or even a cheeky “Guess what, Lily, this is ice cream ‘paradise’ 😉.” Nothing. As if they are having the time of their lives specifically because she isn’t there.

Meanwhile, Lily’s own summer at home looks more like laundry piles, wilting basil plants, and Charlie the dog giving her judgmental side-eye for being no fun. Her kids? They’re off having the summer of their lives—camping, city-tripping, and living on fries and laughter with their friends.

Turning the day around

Lily feels it coming—that sad little lump in the throat. The “maybe I’ll just stay in my pajamas and watch three seasons of something” mood.

But then something clicks. “Nope,” she hears herself say out loud to Charlie. “We’re not doing this today.” She pulls on a bright, breezy summer dress that makes her feel like sunshine in fabric form. Packs a mini picnic: grapes, iced tea, fancy crackers she’s been saving for “a moment” (this is it). She grabs a book, throws a blanket in her basket, and heads off to the park. Determined to sparkle. Even if she sparkles alone — with Charlie.

A guardian in the grass

Charlie trots along beside Lily, his ears perked and tail wagging like he knows today is important. At the park, while Lily lays out her blanket, he makes a slow circle, then plops down beside her with a huff—front paws outstretched, eyes scanning the path like a little furry guardian. Every time someone passes, his gaze follows them, calm but alert, as if silently saying, “Move along, this human’s under my watch.” Lily smiles.

She opens her book… and barely gets through five pages.

The unexpected summer plan

“Lily?” a voice says. It’s Caroline—from school drop-off days and the annual bake sale circuit. She looks just as surprised to see Lily as Lily is to see her.

“Don’t tell me you got left behind too?” Lily laughs.

“Ugh, yes. I’ve been doom-scrolling Instagram all week while pretending I like gardening. I don’t.”

They talk and laugh for hours, share the picnic, and completely lost track of time. Then Lily, with a hopeful grin, says, “Hey, you know what? Let’s do a barbecue tonight at our place. I’ll take care of the food—you bring the wine!”

Not Santorini—but just right

That evening, with their husbands flipping burgers and kids laughing over lemonade, Lily looks around her garden—full of noise, warmth, and good company—and smiles.

It isn’t Santorini. But it’s perfect. And tomorrow? They might just do it again.

Want more easy, feel-good summer inspiration?

Join Lily in the Summer Challenge—8 weeks of little goals to bring fun, connection, and meaning to your summer at home. Let’s turn ordinary days into something unforgettable. No passport required.

https://what-a-story.com/collections/8weeks-summer-challenge/SummerChallenge