It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and I decided to take a stroll through Green End, a small town in the English countryside, close to the River Ouse. I had heard that the town was home to some wonderful massage parlours and I was looking forward to finally experiencing one of my own.
I walked past the quaint row of shops that lined Main Street, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting out of the bakers at the end of the road. People moved around with a cheerful energy that I hadn’t experienced in weeks, due to the pandemic and the restrictions we had all had to follow.
I paused to admire some of the blooms in the local garden centre, before eventually deciding to cross the threshold into one of the massage parlours. I’d heard so much about them and had waited so long to go through the door, that I could feel my heart beating with excitement and anticipation.
The interior was inviting and warm. Dark wood flooring and low hanging lamps, the smell of essential oils and incense, cushioned chairs and low music in the background, all combined to create a calming atmosphere. I was welcomed by a friendly receptionist, who asked me what type of massage I wanted to enjoy.
I was offered a number of options, from aromatherapy to tantric massage, as well as other specialist treatments. After much deliberation – and after checking that the location had been Covid-secure – I finally chose a Deep Tissue Massage. I was shown to a private room, where the experienced masseur soon joined me.
My masseur introduced herself as Marella and explained everything I needed to know before we began. She was kind and caring, ensuring I was comfortable before she began. I was instructed to lay on my front and as soon as I felt her long, warm hands make contact with my back, my fears began to subside.
Every touch was like a gentle breeze and the massage sent synchronised waves of relaxation coursing through my body. Marella went to work on my neck and shoulders, slowly kneading away the knots of tension that had built up since the pandemic started.
There were moments when the intensity of the massage was almost too much, my body screaming for some respite from the relentless pressure. I had to bite down on my lip to stop myself from crying out, knowing that this was exactly what I needed.
Marella was gentle yet firm, her movements precise and controlled. As the massage progressed, I found myself drifting off into a state of deep relaxation. I was so relaxed that I was barely aware of the passage of time, or my surroundings.
After what seemed like an eternity, the massage eventually drew to a close. Marella left quietly, as if she hadn’t been there at all. I lay resting in a state of blissful peace until I eventually mustered the energy to get up.
I was in a dream-like state as I left the massage parlour and moved back out onto the street. It was like I had been transported to another realm, one where I could forget my worries and just be. It was one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences of my life, and I could hardly believe I’d only been there for an hour.
I strolled back to my car with contentment, a feeling of wellbeing washing over me. The massage had been exactly what I’d needed, and I knew that I would be back soon. Green End had been generous, this wonderful town offering something I’d never known before, something that had been worth the wait.