At 69, I Sold My House to Travel Around the World Despite My Children’s Protests – In Australia, a Man Invited Me to His Home for Coffee, but When I Walked Into His Living Room, I Froze

I made a major decision.

Then Eric snapped and said something I still remember perfectly.

“That house was supposed to stay in the family.”

I stared at him.

“It’s my house.”

He didn’t like that answer.

***

When I refused to change my plans, Karen and David blocked my number!

That hurt more than I let anyone see.

But I stuck to my guns, anyway.

He didn’t like that answer.

I told myself that while I could still walk through airports, carry my own suitcase, climb stairs without asking permission from my knees, and explore, I would see what I could.

I wanted to do that one thing for myself.

***

Australia was my fourth stop.

And that was where I met Arthur.

I wanted to do that one thing

for myself.

***

Arthur was 71, widowed, gentle, and had the kind of dry humor that sneaked up on you.

We met in Melbourne at a small second-hand bookstore.

I reached for a detective novel at the same time he did.