2019
The security measures happened fast. The day after Sofia’s arrival, a firm from Limassol turned up to install a new gate at the top of the driveway. It required a code to open it. We were informed the code would change daily and that Grigor or Dmitri would provide it on request.
The same firm installed security cameras inside and outside the building, as well as an alarm system. The engineers pointed out that our poor Internet connection and mobile coverage could compromise some of the systems but were instructed to do the best job they could with the resources available. We were informed the alarm would be turned on at midnight and switched off at five-thirty in the morning. To leave the property during these hours we’d need to ask for the alarm to be deactivated.
Although these intrusive measures did clash with the Pure Heart ethos of trusting in the best of humankind rather than fearing the worst, we understood Sofia’s need for safety. She was apologetic and promised all the equipment would be removed when she left. We told her not to worry about that. No need for her to be talking about leaving.
She paid for everything, of course. The Sunday after she arrived, over dinner, she announced she wanted to get the swimming pool fixed as a birthday gift for Quinn. We tried to refuse, but she told us money exists to be shared and enjoyed. She told us that, amongst her other duties, she would be taking over as head of her grandfather’s charitable foundation. She was excited about supporting worthy causes but said the responsibility of her wealth sometimes made her feel lonely.
We told her she wasn’t alone any more. She had us now.
The next day, the first Monday in July, another set of workmen appeared. They cleaned the pool and installed a new filter valve and a new pump. It was so good to be able to swim again. It sounds silly but it was like the heart-shaped pool was our heart and now it was beating again. It filled us with a sense of joy and hope.
As well as the security arrangements, having guests meant we needed to go food shopping more than usual. To make life easier for us, Sofia insisted Joe place his food orders over the phone with the supermarket in Kakopetria and the various local suppliers we used so that Grigor or Dmitri could drive and collect what we wanted. No need for us to be running around after her, she said.
The day of the party drew closer. Sofia was more excited about it than anyone. When she wasn’t sunning herself by the pool and reading her book of Greek myths, she insisted on helping with the arrangements. We all agreed it was good for her to have something positive to focus on. Even though we didn’t intend to start her healing programme until after the party, there was no doubt she was already benefiting from her return to Pure Heart. We did worry she might want to visit the monastery, but her party planning distracted her from morbid journeys into the past.
The days leading up to the party were busy but happy ones. All of us shared a renewed sense of connection and purpose. Sofia helped Joe and I with the food preparation. She said menial chores were fun for her. At home she had a chef and never had the chance to get her hands dirty.
She kept hinting she had more surprises in store for Quinn’s birthday. On the day of the party, when a van arrived to deliver two crates of champagne, we thought that might be it.
I told her to stop spoiling us. No more surprises.
She said she couldn’t promise that.
In the afternoon, we all retired to our rooms for a siesta and to prepare for the celebrations. At 7 p.m., dressed in appropriate loose clothing, we made our way to the courtyard for supper. The warm air carried the soothing scents of jasmine and lavender. We were happy and hopeful. It seemed as though everything we had prayed for was finally coming to pass.
We would soon realise we should have been careful what we wished for.