Changing the name of the company was really an intricate matter for me because I never came across to this point where I have to change my company name. Thanks to the advisers, this name placement thing happened within a week or a few days after a week which is why the day of going to Island Elysian was delayed but finally came. I am not actually sure how long it will take to reach the Island since it's my first time going there though Alena informed me that we have to do a boat journey. I tried to find out more but she left the topic advising me to trust her, what I do but I know nothing about the boat journey so it's indeed a bit uneasy for me. It's only Me and Alena going there so I fixed and rechecked all of the information files and documents that were important because I won't be present at the office for a long time. I am optimistic about the agency going smoothly without my presence. I suggested to them that if they go through some problematic time, they could give me a call or arrange a video conference. Yet, if there comes a moment where the emergency is real and they need my occurrence in the company, I'll have to go back without any hitch, but the trouble has to be real to count my attendance. The road trip is going boring as always. It is incomprehensible to me why I have a beef with a road trip. I suppose many like to go on a road trip, but I have a strong and despicable opinion against road trips because it's like being trapped in a vehicle for a long time. I, many times, avoided meetings if road trips are involved. I choose flights over road trips if I have to go on any business trip. I can do a debate on this matter and still win because I know there must be someone or anyone who will understand this thing. When the car pulls off I get out of it in a swift as I wanted to get the fresh air.
"You can't do road trips on the other hand you still are a CEO of Fika. It is a bewildering fact.", Alena signed after looking at me.
"To correct you, it's Trouvaille. The name of my own company is Trouvaille.", I will surely give her a headache if she doesn't keep this name in her mind.
"I will remember this fact.", she started making a phone call. I didn't focus on it at first but as I look around, I notice that we are near the cruise terminal. Are we going to the island by cruise? That's an actual question going inside my head. Alena took 5 minutes to talk with the person on the other hand who I don't really know at all. A guard comes to us and takes luggage just after Alena's call ends. She looks at me and says, "I've reserved a private cruise for us to go to Island Elysian. The crew is almost ready, and we will be starting our journey in 15 minutes." "You did it all by yourself?", it makes me look like a grumpy CEO bossing my secretary around. "Of course not. It's all your money. I just did some phone calls.", she grins slightly after letting me know it's my money. Oh, for sure, she will do anything with my money if it is worth it or not.
I shake my head and start following the guard to go to the private cruise. She also walks behind me on the away to the cruise. I think grandfather has started giving Alena some lessons on how to annoy me because that's how it seems to be. It's not the matter that she reserved a whole luxurious cruise which I can buy in a minute, but I thought I was pressuring her with work, and it has proven wrong. How can she find peace in working so hard? Always has been a workaholic but never tries to explain why. A call comes and she picks it up addressing herself as my assistant talking with the other party. You should take a day off Alena to at least take care of the future of your own as well as your health. She comes to me ending the call and says, "He is demanding to know the reason why you changed the company name under his nose." I knew this was coming to me, "That old man is going to nag me a lot so don't pick up the phone."
She let out a chuckle from her and when I looked at her for an explanation, she said, "He also called you a spoiled toddler."
I scoffed, "A spoiled toddler? Calling me a toddler? He is a forefather of his generation that is never mentioned." as well as always showing off his attractiveness which I found unattractive. Indicating me as a toddler is a juvenile thing to say. I knew he'd speak something like this if he can't get to nag me face to face. The call shouldn't have come just before I was about to break out my journey to that Island. His middle name must be a mood sucker since he sucked my precious mood very well. Injuring my mood by thinking of him is worse than looking around and finding this boring so I am going to observe this place instead of ruining my whole voyage.
This cruise terminal must be private because though I don't board on cruise that much, I still can catch the difference between a private and local cruise terminal.
The director of the terminal waits for us in front of the cruise. He looks like he is in his 70s with that white hair. He is wearing a beach hat with floral shirt as well as floral pants and a googles. I like how unserious he is about dressing up. He looks at our direction and seeing us he greets us. I shake his hand and greet him too, "We appreciate you and the crew for managing the journey in such a short time."
"It's not a big deal. This cruise terminal, though it's run by a private company, is the best for a reason.", he smiles and replies. I like how simple he is notwithstanding being the director of a cruise terminal and living a luxurious life in his 70s. I took a look at the cruise, which is well appointed.
"The inside is more magnificent.", the director says.
He gave me a whole tour of the cruise which took more than an hour, yet I appreciate it. It has a pool shaped like a circle with a sitting area. There are different rooms in this cruise with the same facility, but it doesn't disappoint at all. The lobby is quite good, and the cafeteria is more than enough for two people who are me and Alena. I heard there we will be given a crew of 20 people, but the cruise is big enough for 500 people or more than 500 people. There is a small bar and a place for playing games like chess or others. I didn't know that a cruise also has a small hospital in it. He said it's an emergency center, but it is a bit vast. There are also many places here, but we don't need to visit those. It won't take long for us to go to Island Elysian or at least that's what I think.
"So, where are the others?", the director asked.
"What others?" Is he expecting me to bring more people? Then It'd be too disappointing for him to know that there are none.
He looks behind me and speaks slowly, "It's a cruise so there must be more people."
"It's none but me along with my secretary Alena.", and that's it.
He looks at me silently for a long minute and then finally says something, "Are you real for this or it's something amusing that is found?"
"Does it look like I'm being funny?" Was my voice too serious?
He clears his throat looking at me, "No…I mean, you reserved a whole cruise for only 2 people?"
Is it weird? I find it okay as I am comfortable with reserving places, "And we'll be leaving for Island Elysian soon."
He nods slowly and smiles finally, "Wish you a good journey. I heard that place is beautiful." He heard about that place? That's good to know but there are a few people who know about this place. I try to ask him about this place but a person from the crew comes , looking for the director, "We are starting in five minutes, sir." The director nods his head conveying that he is coming. He looks at me, "Excuse me, dear. It was a nice meeting with you."
"Thanks for coming in person and spending some of your time with me, sir.", I appreciate the effort he put in which made him look like a good person to me.
"Don't call me 'sir'. You're at the age of my grandson. Call me 'Gramps', Riley.", how does he know my name?
"Do you know me?", I asked him.
He chuckles and says, "I have a morning habit which is reading the newspaper every morning that means I also read many things about you." He looks at me softening his gaze, "You're so young for all of this. I shouldn't make comments about your personal life, but I will indeed say best of luck." He leaves with the guard.
I needed to hear it. He would be the first person wishing me truly for the journey. These days were a sea of sorrow where I was drowning too deep but now, I feel like I am found. A little honesty from him made my journey well. I let out a heavy breath feeling like a hard rock has lifted from my head. I have thousands of doubtable questions inside my head but none of those matter to me anymore. A simple wish from a person can turn into a galvanizing sentence for someone before commencing a new start. I hurry to the front of the cruise and see him leaving before the cruise starts. I call him saying, "It was a great meeting with you. After the success, I hope we will meet again, Gramps."
He looks back and smiles, "Sure, kid. Sure." He leaves, and the cruise starts its journey towards Island Elysian. The voyage has started at the perfect time when the sun is setting. The view is beautiful, and the slightly cold breeze is giving me chills. It was 5:45 when the journey started, when gramps bid me, when I became grateful for receiving my first wish. The voyage will be formidable out there, but does it change the fact that it was my decision to take this way? Everything has its own barrier and crossing them can only bring you the expected aftermath.
My aftermath might not be how I expect but it won't be downhearted either.
The view is so filmy that it is making me look like I'm in a film where it is me who is the main character. The surroundings are so quiet. The crew must be at the cockpit of the cruise and Alena…where is she? She was with me while visiting the cruise rooms but then she wasn't seen. Did she leave the cruise for a reason and couldn't ascend it, missing the cruise? Or did she get lost in this big cruise getting herself hurt? I dial her number and give her a call.
1..2..3...She is not picking up the call. I called her again and again but she is not picking it up. Where on earth is she? I don't want another headache presently while my days are barely stopping from being worse. Just pick up the call, Alena.
"Who are you calling?" I look back and it's Alena.
Catching the glimpse of her is removing the headache that was about to start. "Where were you?" I put the phone in the pocket of my coat. She is wearing a white embroidery long sleeve nightgown. Her hair is wet, and she is rubbing her eyes. "I took a bath and got ready for the night.", she told me, "Why are you so serious all of a sudden? It scares me." And you disappearing without a call is so hilarious that I didn't even laugh. I take a sign, "It's only 6 in the evening and you got ready for the night?" She must be tired. I shouldn't let the subject stretch far, that'll create an argument which will have zero points. "I'm going to take a shower. Don't get lost.", I warn her and walk away from there. This girl is the second edition of a pill for headache.
The shower of this cruise refreshed me, furthermore, the cafeteria was quite good. The supper wasn't a regular meal, but I liked their style. I was talking with the crew about how long it will take to go to Island Elysian, but they are unsure about it. Alena went to sleep as she was tired, and I checked on her 4 and a half hours ago. I look at the hand watch which shows it is sharp at 3 a.m. Who isn't in a deep sleep except a night damn owl like me? I am tired but sleep is not getting me tonight. I'm in the balcony room of the cruise watching the dark night ocean. It's scary as well as magnificent. If I die in the dark ocean, will it be different or similar to my parents' death? The sound of the sea is irking and horrendous. What if I put more effort on being obedient? They would've loved me.
Was it me who was totally different from them? I should've worked hard to be loved...
No! I shouldn't think about them. The effort I'm thinking of putting would still get me to the same result because it is me who is trying. It has always been me who was trying to keep the family together, but the realization is when it is comprehended that one sided effort isn't shown rather it makes it hard to be alive. I want to live and gain the happiness I asked for all these years but got nothing but regret. I guess it happens to all of them those try hard to keep the family together but aren't appreciated at all instead they are kept as a disappointment. I would rather go and take some nap, though I'm not sleepy, than keep standing on the balcony or else thoughts might eat me raw.
What kind of a daughter are you? We are displeased that you woke up so late. It is 7 where you should've been up at 6. A daughter like you is so vain, Riley.
You are so vain…
"I'm sorry, mother. I'm sorry. I'm-" I woke up and it was all a dream. It is sharp at 6 am. I'm not surprised by my dream since it has become my routine every morning after their death. Why can't I get over those dead people? I donated most of their things except the pocket mirror and locket. If it's the letter which is not letting me move on, then I don't have the courage to peruse the letter yet. They are not a person who writes letters to someone so if it's a letter of breaking heart then I should strengthen myself before skimming it through. I am going to Alena after getting ready to ask how many days it will take. On the way, I find a member of the crew which is good as I don't have to find Alena and ask her the question that I can ask him so I raise the question to him since he will know better than Alena. "A week perhaps." he replies and makes his way to the cockpit of the cruise. I haven't been warned about a week-long journey. I am prepared for sure as I'm going to Island Elysian, but I wasn't informed that it'd be this long. Does a cruise journey usually take time like this or is it because it's Island Elysian where I'm going? Either way can't change the fact of the duration along with the time limitation. Now I have to wait a week, and it is just day one. I'm getting bored already.
A week was a disaster for me because it was the same room and area even though it was luxurious. The network was even worse for me which let the boredom eat me alive. I am barely surviving at present so if I have to stay here for more days, I will go quietly insane. If there comes a time where I have to take this long journey again, I will bring a few vital things with me which have the capacity to keep me busy. "Riley!" Alena screams with excitement in her voice. I am looking at the ceiling lying on my bed and the door is looked so I can't see the reason why she is so joyous. I walk to the direction with a swift speed thinking something must've happened to her for why she is screaming. I go to the balcony room verandah of the cruise spotting her, "What is wrong? Are you okay?". She looks at me and then the view in front. I was slightly confused but when I moved my head to the view of why she screamed my name, I realized the reason. I was taken aback by nothing but the peerless beauty of the Island. "It's just like how it is named", I looked at Alena and we both said "Heavenly" at the said time. We landed on the Island and there was a boy younger than me waiting for us. "Good afternoon, ma'am. Did you book a Log Cabin as a tourist?" he asked me.
"Certainly, if it's under the name of a company named Trouvaille.", I replied to his question which made him happy. Young people find happiness in lucid details but me, though being young. He took us to the car, driving us to the log cabin. It is as big as a city or more than a city, but liveliness is added in this place which is removed from main cities. I can't call it a countryside but calling it a city would be unfair therefore, it is what it is, which is Island Elysian. "Don't mind but tourists don't really come here so we really appreciate you coming to island Elysian. I hope you have fun as well as make many memories to remember.", the boy told us while driving. I wanted to say something, but Alena cut me off without noticing it and replied, "There is nothing to mind. We've already liked this place." There are a lot of things to see, Alena. You can't be fond of a place you've just arrived. To set up our first branch, we have to know if it's worthy.
It has taken 30 minutes to reach our Log cabin. This house is made of wood which is very graceful. I wanted to look around this place, however me and Alena are both tired, so I decided to take a shower first before getting a small tour around.
Alena loved the bed, and the shower was also not bad. It's not like how I usually live but this is another type of perception which I'm unaware about. Getting out of the comfort zone can let you meet places you never thought existed. It is almost 11 at night and Alena is doing some office works on the laptop. I don't burden her with works, yet she chooses to keep herself busy. I would've gone to sleep by now as it was a very long journey, however I haven't been able to get a fresh comfortable sleep, so I decided to take a walk around. I want to take Alena with me but she's such a workaholic that I sometimes feel worried about her. It's been ages since I saw the night sky covered by stars which made a thought come to me that I should walk further than this area. I am not going to lose my own self as I'm a grown up. Moreover, it is not a movie where I'm going to be stupid and get lost in an unknown place. Alena was tensed up not letting me go alone but she wasn't coming with me either since she is exhausted. Obviously, it is due to the amount of work she did even after the long journey, so I told her I need time to spend on myself and I'll be back soon. I am walking toward the north which is leading me to the woods. It's not scary at all because of the footpath as well as hurricane lamp on almost every tree. It is so creative with its magnificence. I walked further when I spotted a small waterfall and fireflies around the bushes.
It's very rare to be seen in the city I live in, yet it feels close to nature.
I can feel the moonlight, hearing the sound of insects accompanied by the waterfalls and the unbelievable view which speaks in a strange language.
I'm away from all of my worries for a few minutes or as long as I'm here. There's a wooden place to sit and a wooden table, for what I think old men and women come here to play chess or chitchat. I sit on the wooden place and start to enjoy the view. The ill feelings that were hunting me for a long time are fading away till I'm here. Alena sends me a text, "It's been thirty minutes since you've gone. Do you have any intention of coming back?" I didn't notice it's been that long since I've been here. Something has occupied me for why I don't want to go. That thing perhaps is the man who is a few feet away from me trying to catch some fireflies from the bushes but failing again and again.
He's far away but not so far to can't see me, which I find humorous. Him catching fireflies is a failed experiment. I just want to see how long he takes to spot me. After 5 minutes of my curiosity, he finally spots me and was, for a while, dumbfounded. I want to laugh so hard, but I forgot how laugh sounds like due to this heavy month or not-so-satiated month. He is making his way towards me and now I can see him more clearly than before. It's because of the moonlight and the fireflies otherwise we wouldn't have noticed each other since there's no light around.
"Who are you?" There's a confusion in his voice. He sounds like Flynn Rider from Tangled but with a bit more depth. "A human that exists surprisingly and unfortunately." I really don't want to talk about myself currently. Introduction is really boring for me at this point as it will bring up the funeral in every way. "You're not local here.", he confirmed himself since it's not a question. How does he find it out? I don't reply to him except staring suspiciously assuming he must've found out about me from the newspaper like Gramps did.
"You would've turned on the lantern here if you were a local.", he wronged my suspicious images. That's good he doesn't know me yet. I'm not really in a mood to interview myself since I am here for the heaviness to be removed.
"Oh, are there any lanterns here?" I'm surprised but I don't think it can be heard in my voice. He picks up a lantern under the table and lights it up and now I can see him clearly. He is young but not younger than me. His hair is light to dark brown as well as his eye, color of honey. Both of them are matching for which my opinion is they may not look good on anyone but him. I like how he has a fashion sense as he is wearing a black wide pant with a turtle-neck shirt and a denim jacket. Is he a tourist too? Because his style is as if he came on a vacation or a trip. I look at him, otherwise it'll be a little awkward if I get caught judging his fashion sense. I noticed he has a nice smile because of his perfect thin lips. He may be a good player as he has a perfect sport figure but that's not interesting at all. Above everything about him that I analyzed in a few minutes, I like his fashion sense. "Why are you here all alone?" he asked me, which is good, otherwise it'd be a weird situation with only silence or at least that's what I think.
"To enjoy." I met his gaze, the honey brown eyes that's able to lure people into lie, "I like seeing failed experiments."
"Failed experiment?" he looks confused by my words, "how long have you been here?"
"Before you started catching fireflies." I said after putting a teasing slight smile on my face. I'm surprised that I'm letting a teasing smile after a long time. He noticed my tease which is why he is embarrassed, and I noticed the somewhat red blush on his cheeks.
"No one can catch flies so easily." He shrugs in a decent way.
"You bet" I don't know from when I became this bold "Set a 15-minute timer on the mobile" and why I got the sudden urge to catch fireflies. I take off my coat as it's one of my favorites. Also, I'll feel uncomfortable catching fireflies while wearing it, so I put it on the wooden chair. Proving someone wrong is not my favorite thing to do but I am desperate to prove him wrong because catching flies is indeed not hard. Let's go…
"Your time is up." a disappointed voice speaks to me.
"I've caught 23 fireflies."
"It's 22. The last one doesn't count." He is too stubborn to admit it, yet it is adorable somehow. Stubbornness makes a person get the target which has been selected. "At least better than the failed experiment." I handover the jar to him "Here you go."
"Why are you giving this to me?", despite the stubbornness, he is confused.
"I wanted to have some fun. It was you who wanted fireflies, not me."
"But Still. I can't take them. You earned it, not me.", how stubborn is he? People shouldn't be this stubborn. Though it's a better thing, it can be used differently, and his way is definitely wrong.
"Take it as a gift from me. I don't think we will ever meet again." I said with a slight smile on my face and about which I'm amazed also. Emotional blackmail is easy to do, so I am optimistic that he will leave his stubbornness for this or at least this.
"Well…" there is a long pause and then he finally says "I'll take it if you say so. Furthermore, it'll be a fortune to get the chance to meet you again." If we meet again, then it'll be fortunate.
I return to the log cabin after giving the jar to him and see Alena has slept already. I fathom the reason since she was so exhausted. We are in separate rooms, but the calm atmosphere is telling me that she's safely landed in her dream peacefully. The wooden door made some scary cracking noise but it's not enough to break her sleep, therefore I'm grateful to it, however It's perfect for a person to scare to death. I want to stay at that place for a long time because it was capable of taking away the heaviness inside me, but the heaviness is coming back again as I'm no longer in that place anymore.
Life has always been so cruel to me that I didn't even have the optimism to feel the nostalgic memory that others get but me. I wanted to experience other emotions and keep it as a remembrance, but it feels deep inside that all of them were killed by my past. Can I shut my brain not to think about those things where I had some good time with that silly honey-colored eye guy? Yeah. He was stupid while catching the fireflies, yet it was funny watching him struggle, though I didn't laugh at all or that I did, but not admitting at all. And the reason must be known by now.
Closing the door carefully, I step inside my room and lie down on my bed. Watching the ceiling is not interesting but thinking about that time sure is. It was one moment. One small moment where I caught flies first time in my life. Yes, it was my first time, and I caught 23 flies...let's just say 22 due to that stubborn...what is his name anyway? We didn't ask each other's name. We were so coped up with the challenge that we even forgot the formal introduction, even though I didn't want to introduce myself. It looks dumb to me. I did something dumb. And the thing is even if not knowing each other's name is dumb, the time was good. I wanted to live there, away from all of my worries.
I like it. It was a one in a thousand moments and we might never meet again.