Such a sunny day. This week was none other than Alice's day off from her part-time job even though she was only allowed to take one day off. He was currently in his room and then made his bed before he finally got back to work. His family looks busy even though today is a red date. The two older brothers looked ready to go somewhere. Now they were starting to leave and so was Alice. He was planning to go on summer vacation because now it was the start of summer. Alice excitedly then prepared the things she would bring and even now she was talking on the phone with Theresia. They both looked so happy because the day they had been waiting for had finally come. After he was ready, not long after that he started to go to a place that was promised by them. Alice quickly headed there and when she arrived at a station, she saw Theresia was already waiting for her there. The two of them then waited for Grace who had not yet come. As for Marchell and Billy, the two of them didn't come because they had some urgent business to attend to. Alice and Theresia were waiting for Grace even though the train was about to leave and she still had no news. They both looked worried and not long after, he immediately sent a text message saying that he couldn't come because his family had come to visit. Seeing that, Alice and Theresia then accepted it and now they just left without her. While they were gone, Grace was at the hospital preparing for her next therapy. He who looked so resigned, then went to the therapy room accompanied by a nurse. Grace walked slowly and she in her heart said an apology to the two of them who had been waiting for her for so long. The appointment had to be canceled due to its current state.
Inside the carriage, Alice and Theresia seemed to be enjoying the ride and they both saw an amazing sight. Currently they are planning to go to the next town and enjoy the summer on a beach which is quite unique. A few weeks ago, they planned a trip that will never be forgotten for the rest of their lives and they intend to engrave it in the memory of eternity. Alice recommends to go to the beach but, the beach they visit must be different from usual. Apparently, at that time Theresia immediately thought of visiting the town next door. In the end they decided to go there and of course many recommendations were made beforehand. One of them was Grace's recommendation that she wanted to go to the pool or even hike a mountain. The three of them looked very excited to welcome the beginning of the summer they had been waiting for. Every day is always thought of and they even dream of it. Beauty and vacation that relieve fatigue is indeed the best thing and it makes both of them feel happy. His face glowed even though he was just imagining it. On this day, one of them canceled it and several times sent both of them text messages apologizing. They of course forgave him because it was such a troublesome thing to deal with family.
"I can't wait, I want to get there soon," said Theresia with a sigh
"Yes. Me, too. By the way Theresia."
"Yes?"
"What about your job? is it okay to take a vacation?”
"I've told them all to go on holiday earlier this season. And luckily they were so kind that they allowed me to take a day off.”
"Good. I don't think they will let you. Because you've only been at work a few days.”
"Of course they understand that too. anyway, I want to work there longer. If you can get to work anyway. I don't know what I was thinking, it felt so good to be my normal self. I'm not supposed to follow them right? Because my happiness is determined by myself and of course my own choice, said Theresia while smiling at Alice. The smile on his face was shining.
"Of course. You have to choose which path to take. Shouldn't have followed them. I agree with your thinking.”
“Then, how about you? Are you going to keep your job at the shop or your job as a graphic designer?”
"I'm still thinking about it. I have a lot on my mind, that's why I can't decide for now.”
"Ah, that's how it is. But I trust you."
"What?"
“You will definitely make the best choice. To be honest, I've been friends with you a lot, which has changed my view. At first I was a tool that would likely end up dire. I can't imagine it but, you changed me and made me decide the path I want to go. No matter who I am and who is behind me still some time ago I couldn't see the world fully. It feels like my place is just in the shadows of darkness as well as theirs."
"Not. You are wrong. The one who decides everything is you, I didn't do anything to you at all. So it's all just movement within you. Trust me, I'm just like you."
"Really?"
"Yes. Even I don't want to admit it. Sometimes I think so and even hate myself.”
“I understand the situation. but, for now it's better to forget about the gloomy things and let's enjoy this summer vacation.”
"Yes. You're right, there's no point in thinking about it. let's have fun."
"I will immortalize every second."
"You brought a camera?"
"Yes. This is a must-have item on vacation or whenever.”
"Wow, that's very intentional."
Their journey is still quite far. Now it's still half way through. The next town they were going to was none other than the town where Alice's mother lived. Like a past memory, he would subconsciously visit the city and slowly open a gate that should never be touched again. This summer is indeed different from before. Where now Alice and her friends go on vacation while previously she only had ambitions to work part time and spend the rest of the summer vacation just to fulfill her finances. He did it just to gain as much experience as possible and was the foundation he built so that he would no longer be trampled on by the patriarchy of his extended family which is still fairly ancient. Alice then looked at the scenery again through the carriage window and felt a beauty that words couldn't describe.
"When do we arrive?" asked Theresa
"Still far. It's only half way."
"Wow. Turns out I underestimated the map.”
"We'd better be patient and rest for a bit."
"Good idea."
This time right at the residence of Marchell's grandfather. He who spent the night partying with those who were there made him feel tired to this day. When he came out of the room and walked around his grandfather's house just jogging, he saw several people who were working even this summer. They are none other than fishermen and people who hunt shellfish around the coast. Marchell was curious and not long after he ran towards it and saw a lot of ships and people doing their job. He slowly looked that way and then saw those who were working. Some of those people were old women and some were even elderly. They work like that and look so good. Marchell who then sat on the edge of the beach to be precise on a rock while enjoying the natural beauty in front of him. One of the old women who had just finished hunting for shells, she slowly approached Marchell and spoke to him. The woman sat around there as she continued to sigh.
"Aren't you going to play in the water?" said the old woman
"Yes?"
“These days a lot of young people are diving just for fun. Aren't you interested?"
“Ah, I just feel like for now I want to just keep quiet like this.”
"I see. Are you not from this area?”
"Right. I'm not from here. However, as a child I grew up in this region.”
"Oh, what do you think?"
"Yes?"
"Is it better here than in the city?"
“About, that.... I can only say that both of them are the best. There are many things I can learn of course. It's not just a lifestyle or anything like that. But a life that is quite different and that difference is what makes me grow a lot more.”
"You're great. Young adult."
“Ah, that… I guess it's nothing.”
"What are you busy with right now?"
“Students and part-time workers. I often work part-time in a photography community and even become a journalist.”
"Wow, you're great. are you currently on vacation?”
"Right. I'm currently on vacation at the start of this season. That's why I came here before someone told me to come to this area for some reason."
"Good. You enjoyed your youth well. never waste it."
"What?"
“There are some people who are just born to work and work. Until they feel incomparable fatigue. As a result, there is no happiness in their life. They just need to fulfill what is their responsibility even as small as possible. Freedom and the like are just wishful thinking. I hope you don't live like that. you have to enjoy all that is beautiful and never regret it," said the woman to Marchell and it turned out that she was just silent and was surprised by his words.
"Oh, yes."
Not long after, the wind blew and now he sighed while looking at the vast ocean which made him feel calm and peaceful. People have also started to come to the surface and they seem to be bringing a lot of catch. After he was tired of being on the beach, now Marchell went to a restaurant not far from there and he ordered some food which is a famous soup there. Excitedly he came and then when his food came he immediately enjoyed it. When Marchell was enjoying his meal, not long after Billy called him and then they talked through the phone call.
"Marchel where are you now?" said Billy who seemed to be screaming at himself.
“The suburbs. What is it?"
"I just wanted to take you on vacation. Adeline will come too.”
"I am busy. So next time."
"You are crazy? Busy what? You're enjoying clam soup at this restaurant right now, aren't you?”
Hearing Billy's words and instantly made him choke. Not long after he immediately glanced behind him and saw that they were both there. Seeing this Marchell was immediately shocked and could not say anything.
"You're really outrageous," said Adeline who looked at him with a scary look
"How long have you been there?" Marchell said to both of them
"We just came."
"I knew you would be here for sure. Is your family event over?"
"Yes. The event only lasted until late at night. It's gone now."
"What are you really thinking?"
"What?"
“You deliberately canceled the vacation plans with Alice and her friends? You are crazy! This is an opportunity. How long are you going to be like this?” said Adeline who seemed to scold Marchell
"Oy, Adeline," said Billy who seemed to be trying to calm him down.
"That's enough. Nothing on my mind."
"What are you saying?"
"Come on guys, we're not here to argue."
“I don't want to deal with that kind of stuff anymore. so please stop it.”
"What? what a sad boy."
"Adeline," said Billy
"I can't believe you said that. What happened to you? You were rejected?” asked Adeline who looked curious and then followed her out of the restaurant.
"Of course not. Because I would never say it.”
The two of them who heard his words could only freeze and their faces looked shocked. Marchell then went to a place that was none other than a fishing spot on the beach at the east end. There were several people fishing and one of them was someone he knew. Adeline and Billy also followed him there and they seemed to enjoy the beautiful environment around the place and not long after, they also joined Marchell and an uncle who seemed very familiar with Marchell. They then greeted each other as well as the two of them. The summer atmosphere in this place is very different from other places. The peace is so pronounced that it makes them really feel the sensation of a real vacation. Adeline tries to go fishing and it turns out that she looks as happy as Billy, who has been with her for a long time. Marchell then saw some of the fish that the uncle had caught and now they were laughing and chatting together. The atmosphere was so beautiful and sometimes he did miss this environment for the past few days.
This time, Alice and Theresia soon arrived at their destination. Theresia who looked happy then she saw the sight that they were about to arrive. A few minutes later, finally the fast train they were riding had arrived at the station in the city. Alice and Theresia then got out of the carriage and they looked happy. Their luggage was then taken by them and now they have to wait for a taxi to take them to a nearby villa. It only took 6 minutes to get to the villa, they finally arrived and then entered the place while placing their belongings in the room that was ordered. After they finished, the two of them took a rest first and not long after they went straight to the beach. Since the beach is not far from the villa, they are just a short walk away. As soon as they visited the beach, the atmosphere was very beautiful and a lot of people were there. Alice then played in the water together with Theresia they both also did a dive. The beauty and sensation of summer vacation is inherent between them. After they finished diving, they were going to continue it by riding several other water rides. However, they both felt tired and then rested while enjoying lunch at a restaurant around the beach.
"Wow, this is so much fun," said Theresia
"It's not wrong that we chose this place," said Alice
"Yes. I thought it would be this much fun. Oh yeah, we better take a photo.”
"Okay."
The two of them kept taking pictures even while eating. Alice then looked around and it turned out that this place was truly amazing. This vacation didn't fail even though Grace didn't come with the two of them. Theresia who did not stop taking pictures, not long after that they immediately resumed their activities by riding several rides that were quite dangerous. Once done screaming and they were finally done with the game they were riding. Alice then plans to go surfing and so does Theresia who goes along with her surfing. They look happy and it can't be hidden from their faces. Meanwhile, now at Grace's place. He has finished therapy and is currently resting. His face looks so desperate that he doesn't even have the appetite to eat. After sitting on his bed for a while, he finally decided to go up to the roof and get some fresh air. Grace slowly went there and when she got to the roof, her expression was still so desperate that her footsteps slowly made their way towards it. Several of the other patients looked at him and Grace smiled at them. The wind blowing made him feel at peace even if only for a moment. He slowly sat down on a chair that was there and not long after, a young female patient of about 30 years old. He came over to her and they immediately started talking to each other.
"Can I sit here?" asked the woman to him
"Of course miss."
"What do you think of the weather today?" said the woman while looking at the clear sky
"Warm. And even full of peace. Is it because it's sunny today?”
"Right. very bright. I love being able to look up at the sky like this. It felt as if I was alive.”
Grace inadvertently flinched at his last words. He then went back to pondering and several times tried to smile brightly and think nothing of it. A few hours ago, before the therapy started. Grace heard several medical teams say about her condition and it made her feel burdened. The lying Grace was trying to stay calm and even when it was all done by her, it wasn't easy. Several times he looked panicked because his hands could not be moved. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead and it made him feel misery inside him until finally the doctor gave him a sedative. Somewhere that is none other than the cafe where Grace works. Some of his colleagues asked his whereabouts to other colleagues and some even reported it to the manager. Grace, who has been absent from work for several days, has now officially been fired as a part-time worker and has been replaced by a young man who is about the same age as her. Those who had heard the news were very sorry about this and some of them contacted her but Grace did not pick up her calls and even her text messages were not read at all. This of course made them feel angry and anxious. Because before, something happened and they could only accept what the upper party had to say.
"Where's the kid? did he really just disappear?” said one of his colleagues
"I think something's going on."
"What are you saying?"
“If not for that, why did he disappear? Shouldn't he just say it if he wants to quit or at least give him a letter of resignation."
"That's enough. there's no point in thinking about it. He's just a part-timer after all and we can find someone else."
"Someone has already filled his position."
"Good. So let's just forget about it."
"You guys are so cruel."
"What's the use of thinking about unnecessary things."
"Oh my gosh, at least you asked her condition."
"Ah never mind."
Alice and Theresia who were now enjoying the beautiful sunset made them unable to stop being amazed. At the same time, there are several people who are partying on the beach. They looked so happy. This joy just radiates and makes anyone who sees it feel the same way. Theresia who was sitting then she got up from her seat and went to order another drink. Alice also saw some people who were partying and when she saw someone she knew by accident. However, he tried not to think anything of it and he then went to Theresia's place to buy drinks. The person who caught a glimpse of it while looking at Alice who was there before, but that person didn't see her at all. Now it was getting late and the two of them were still around the beach enjoying drinks at the bar there.
“I think tonight's BBQ will be very interesting,” said Theresia
"You want?"
“I… of course. How about you?"
"Okay. It looks like there are some pretty interesting restaurants around the city.”
"Good. Let's go there."
"Okay."
“It really feels like my energy is being recharged.”
"You are this."