I shared all the details with him¡ªthe mysterious box, the events at home, Aunt Marie''s odd behaviour in the video, and the messages she had sent. I told him everything.
"Do you think she''s faking it, brother?" I asked him, and he said,
"There''s something definitely going on with Aunt Marie, Aria. I don''t think she''s faking it. Too much effort, time, and energy would be wasted to make this all just a joke. If she does that, for me, it''s senseless."
He had a point. Still, I argued, "Brother, what if she''s just doing it to gain attention because she''s lonely on the island?"
He then replied, "If so, then why didn''t she just take the ticket for herself and be the one to get off the island and visit us? Wouldn''t it be more convenient for everyone?"
I shot back sarcastically, ¡°Maybe she¡¯s a sadist?¡±
Kyle said seriously, "Oh my goodness, Aria, you''re a genius! That''s it¡ªshe''s a sadist!"
I blinked in surprise. *Wait, what?* That had been a joke to lighten the mood. I quickly clarified, ¡°Really? It¡¯s because Aunt Marie is a sadist?¡±
I heard him burst into laughter on the other end. ¡°Lol, are you really my sister? Of course not! I was playing along. Hahaha!¡±
I couldn¡¯t help but grin, rolling my eyes at his teasing. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, Kyle.¡±
Still smiling, I asked more earnestly, ¡°But really, do you think she needs help?¡±
There was a brief delay, likely from the signal, before he replied. ¡°" Yeah, I think she needs help Aria. I think there''s something holding her back that she can''t leave the Island. Look, if she left you that letter with the code and a warning, then I¡¯d take it seriously. It doesn¡¯t hurt to be cautious, right?¡±
I smiled weakly, shivering. I needed to end this call soon, get out of my wet clothes, and warm up. ¡°You¡¯re right, brother. Thanks. I¡¯d better go change before I catch a cold. Tell Dad I love him, okay? Take care.¡±
Just as I was about to hang up, Kyle said,
¡°Wait, Aria. I¡¯m not sure if this helps,¡± Kyle said, his voice tinged with thought, ¡°but I remember spending some time with Aunt Marie when I was really young, maybe around six. I don¡¯t know why things suddenly changed, why she stopped reaching out¡ªat least not in the ¡®normal way¡¯¡ªbut I do remember her mentioning something about a ¡®boy¡¯ and a ¡®system¡¯ of some kind. It¡¯s pretty vague, but maybe the code you mentioned has to do with this boy¡ªor boys. Maybe there are 16 of them?¡±
That''s an interesting idea.
I wish I had Kyle¡¯s sharpness, but I doubted it. There were just so many possibilities for what it could be.
"But that¡¯s just your guess, right?" I asked, seeking clarification.
¡°Yeah, just a hunch,¡± Kyle replied. Based on what you said about ¡®Guy16¡¯ and some hazy memories of mine. It could mean anything, though. Maybe it¡¯s even some kind of password to some device/s."
His words triggered a memory, and I quickly pointed out, ¡°Brother, your name was also in the paper. What do you think that means?"
He chuckled lightly, responding in his usual teasing tone, ¡°Maybe it means I¡¯m the one who¡¯s supposed to be there, taking action instead of you?¡±
In the background, I caught the sound of a whistle¡ªprobably his coach signalling for practice.
¡°Man, I wish I were there, sis,¡± he added wistfully. ¡°I¡¯d gladly trade places with you in a heartbeat."
A small smile formed on my face as I wrapped my arms around myself to fend off the chill of the sea breeze. ¡°Same here,¡± I said warmly. ¡°You¡¯d probably love this kind of adventure.¡± Just then, I sneezed, breaking the moment.
Kyle burst into laughter. ¡°See, only fools catch colds!¡±He teased.
I chuckled softly. ¡°Good luck at practice.¡±
¡°Thanks, sis. I¡¯ll call whenever I can, okay? And you, take care.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I replied softly. Smiling, I ended the call. Even as the rain continued to fall and the cold crept in, the conversation with my brother gave me a sense of comfort.
I glanced at my phone and noticed the battery was at 28 percent. Dang it, I forgot to charge it last night. A sudden wave of concern hit me. Wait... Is my charger even in my backpack?
The rain and wind picked up, sweeping across the deck relentlessly. As I lingered in the doorway, a black bird landed beside me, seeking temporary shelter. It shook off the rain, feathers ruffling against the cold, then met my gaze for a moment with its dark, beady eyes before taking off into the grey sky.
I watched it disappear, then turned and stepped inside the cabin.
Chapter 7.5 Bill and His Boat (Part 2 )
As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by how warm and inviting the trunk cabin was¡ªfar cozier than I had imagined. It dawned on me: this boat perfectly exemplifies the saying *If you judge a book by its cover you might miss out an amazing story* Sure, its exterior looked weathered and a bit intimidating, but the inside told a completely different tale. It was tidy, comfortable, and well-maintained, with no hint of rust¡ªpractically as if it were brand new.
The cabin itself felt like a miniature home. A small table with chairs sat neatly in the corner, a compact kitchen gleamed with care, and two bedrooms were separated by a snug little restroom. The warm glow of the lights made the space feel alive, almost magical.
By the stove, the old lady was brewing hot water for tea, her movements deliberate yet soothing.
¡°Come, come, and get changed. You must be freezing, dear,¡± she said warmly, her voice carrying a comforting familiarity. I managed a small smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
As she fetched cups from a cabinet under the sink, she continued, ¡°You can change in the restroom or the girl¡¯s room¡ªit¡¯s the door on the right.¡±
I had just turned toward the indicated door when another figure caught my eye. The silver-blonde woman emerged from the left bedroom, her striking hair catching the light as she adjusted her fitted black T-shirt and snug blue jeans.
Behind her, I caught a glimpse of someone else¡ªthe man with glasses. He looked flustered, his hair messy and his shirt half-untucked. His face turned red when he noticed me, and without a word, he quickly shut the door.
I paused, curiosity piqued. *What could have made him so embarrassed? * I wondered.
I glanced at the silver-haired woman, and she met my gaze with a sly, almost playful grin.
¡°Hi, I¡¯m Cassandra,¡± she said, her voice smooth yet commanding in a way that demanded attention.
Her eyes flicked toward the door she had just come from, and with a mischievous smirk, she added, ¡°And he¡¯s Gideon.¡±
I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at her striking beauty. With her hair now untied, cascading freely over her shoulders, she looked even more captivating. She exuded an air of cunning elegance, almost like a fox brought to life in human form. Her piercing hazel eyes and silver locks gave her an otherworldly allure, mysterious and wild.
I wanted to say something more, maybe strike up a conversation or ask about her and Gideon. There was something about them that pulled me in. But my body had other plans. With my phone battery down to 28 percent and my energy even lower, I was cold, hungry, and utterly drained.
¡°Aria,¡± I murmured faintly, giving her a polite nod as if to excuse myself.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
As I turned away, I heard her respond with a simple, ¡°Okay,¡± her tone light and unbothered.
Out of the corner of my eye, as I gently closed the door to the girls¡¯ room, I noticed Casandra heading toward the old lady by the stove. She leaned in slightly, her posture relaxed but attentive, and softly asked if there was anything she could help with.
Inside the room, I took a moment to look around. Two sets of bunk beds stood on either side, with a small wooden lamp table snugly placed between them and a round glass window offering a view of the outside. The rain continued to pour steadily, and the sky remained cloaked in dark, heavy clouds. The space had a cozy, practical feel to it, and I figured the other room probably had a similar setup.
I picked a side, hung my damp bag on one of the bedposts, and began rummaging through it for a change of clothes. While digging, I came across the lunchbox Mom had packed for me earlier. Glancing at my wristwatch, I saw it was 11:30 a.m.¡ªalmost lunchtime.
The boat still hasn¡¯t left, I noted, glancing out the window again. Must be delayed because of the weather. I mentally kicked myself for not checking the forecast earlier; It could have been my best excuse against mom, but I¡¯d been too distracted and hungry at that time to even think about it.
Setting the lunchbox on the upper bunk, I figured that spot would be mine¡ªassuming the other two women would prefer the lower bunks.
Then it hit me. My charger wasn¡¯t in the bag. A wave of frustration washed over me.
*Just perfect,* I thought, frustration bubbling up. But before I let myself spiral, I paused and took a deep breath. *No, Aria. This isn¡¯t on Mom. You¡¯re the one who usually charges your phone at night, and you forgot because you were exhausted after practice. She couldn¡¯t have known¡ªit¡¯s always tucked away in your desk drawer anyway.*
I exhaled, shaking off the annoyance, and reached for a mint green pastel T-shirt. It had a cute ice cream design in the center with the words *"Green is the new chill"* written underneath. Paired with gray jogger pants, it felt just right for a rainy casual outfit. After changing, I let my hair down to dry naturally and hung my wet clothes to air out.
Oh, right¡ªthe ticket. I still needed to give it to the old lady.
Once dressed, my attention drifted to the lunchbox. Opening it revealed ten perfectly arranged club sandwiches. Each one was layered with fried chicken breast, cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, mayo, and a subtle hint of custard. The sight and smell made my stomach growl in anticipation.
Mom really outdid herself, I thought, a warm wave of gratitude washing over me. The lunchbox wasn¡¯t just a thoughtful gesture¡ªit was a reminder of her care and of my reluctant surrender after our argument about visiting Aunt Marie. I chuckled softly to myself, I love mom. I couldn¡¯t wait to dig in¡ªit was exactly the energy boost I needed.
I wanted to share the sandwiches with everyone. Opening the door, I saw the old lady, Casandra, and Gideon sitting around the table. Gideon had taken off his forest-green hat and raincoat, and unlike earlier, his clothes were now properly adjusted.
They all sat sipping steaming cups of tea, the warmth of the room contrasting with the cold, rainy view outside the window.
The old lady noticed me and smiled. ¡°Come, dear, take a seat.¡±
I took a seat beside Casandra, who gave me a quick once-over before her eyes landed on my shirt. She grinned. "That¡¯s such a cool, refreshing shirt. And that bracelet¡ªreally pretty!"
I smiled, feeling a little shy under her attention, and tucked my hair behind my ear. "Thanks," I replied softly.
Placing the lunch box in the center of the table, I said, ¡°It¡¯s not much, but these are sandwiches my mom made. I hope you¡¯d like to have some.¡±
The old lady beamed. ¡°How thoughtful of you, dear.¡±
¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll take two or more,¡± Casandra said with a playful smile, grabbing a couple of sandwiches and passing one to Gideon. He accepted it quietly, nodding slightly in thanks.
¡°I¡¯ll take two as well,¡± the old lady added. ¡°One for me, and the other for my son.¡±
¡°Of course, ma¡¯am,¡± I replied quickly. ¡°Actually, if you¡¯d like, I can bring it to him. It¡¯s still raining outside.¡±
Before she could respond, Casandra nudged Gideon gently with her foot, and he cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯ll do it, ma¡¯am,¡± he offered.
The old lady chuckled warmly. ¡°You¡¯re all very sweet, but I don¡¯t think Bill would appreciate that.¡± With a gentle smile, she rose from her seat, grabbed a sandwich, and stepped outside into the rain.
Her son? I thought. They don¡¯t look anything alike.
The three of us sat in silence for a moment, the sound of rain filling the cabin as we watched her disappear outside. Casandra broke the silence with a smirk. ¡°So, the guy¡¯s name is Bill,¡± she said, her gaze lingering on the door.
I caught Gideon sneaking a glance at her, but he quickly looked away, biting into his sandwich.
Casandra suddenly turned her attention to me, her tone casual yet inquisitive. ¡°So, Aria, tell me¡ªare you a passenger too? If so, where did you get your ticket?¡±
¡°Casandra,¡± Gideon interjected softly. His tone was timid but laced with restraint.
¡°I¡¯m just asking a simple question,¡± Casandra replied with a sly smile¡ªmischievous and sharp. Why would she ask about the ticket, though? It didn¡¯t seem like a big deal, so I answered her casually,
¡°I got it from my aunt. She wanted me to visit her.¡±
For a moment, they both just stared at me in silence, as though I had said something extraordinary.
Finally, Casandra remarked, ¡°I thought not just any civilian was allowed in.¡±
The comment caught me off guard, but I decided to let it slide. I wasn¡¯t entirely sure what Casandra meant, but the way Gideon shifted uneasily in his seat made me think twice about asking. If it had just been Casandra and me, I might have asked her to elaborate, but Gideon¡¯s sharp, warning look in her direction told me this wasn¡¯t a topic he wanted to discuss.
Chapter 8 : The Islander
The door creaked open, and the old lady came back in, her straw hat and raincoat dripping from the rain. She took her time hanging them up neatly before heading back to the table and sitting down.
¡°Oh, right¡ªthe ticket,¡± I suddenly remembered. I reached into my pocket, pulled it out, and handed it to her. ¡°Here you go, ma¡¯am.¡±
She took it, looked it over for a moment, then muttered to herself, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s from her.¡±
I didn¡¯t really understand what she meant, but I noticed Cassandra and Gideon staring at me more intently. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I felt like there was something unspoken in the air.
That¡¯s when it hit me¡ªI had no clue where I was actually headed. I didn¡¯t even know the name of the island. It felt a little silly, but I figured now was as good a time as any to ask.
¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am,¡± I said, hesitating for a second. ¡°I know it¡¯s a strange question since I¡¯m already on the boat, but¡ What¡¯s the name of the island we¡¯re going to?¡±
The old lady¡¯s eyes lit up, and a small smile appeared on her face. ¡°Ah, I see. She followed the rules. For that, I¡¯ll honor this ticket. You can call me Granny Chan.¡±
Her words only stirred up more questions. Followed the rules? Was she talking about my aunt? What rules? And what did she mean by honoring the ticket? Wasn¡¯t it valid in the first place?
I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to this than I understood. Among all my questions, the one about my aunt lingered the most.
¡°Granny Chan,¡± I asked cautiously, leaning forward, ¡°do you know her? My aunt? Are you close with her?¡±
¡°One question at a time, dear. And how should I address you?¡± the old lady responded calmly, her tone gentle but firm.
¡°Oh, right. Sorry about that. My name is Aria Greenfield. You can just call me Aria, Grandma,¡± I replied, feeling a little embarrassed. It was rude not to have introduced myself sooner after she had shared her name.
¡°Aria,¡± she repeated, her lips curling into a warm smile. ¡°What a beautiful, strong name. Did you know it carries many meanings? In Persian, it means noble. In Italian, it means song. In Albanian, it stands for high value, and in Greek, it means lioness.¡±
I blinked, surprised. I had never known the meaning behind my name. I¡¯d never even thought to ask my parents why they chose it for me. Her words sparked a new curiosity within me. Now I can¡¯t help but wonder about Kyle¡¯s name too.
The old lady continued, ¡°Bill was close with your aunt. I only knew her briefly, but she left quite an impression. She helped us in a way we¡¯ll never forget.¡±
I wonder what kind of help my aunt had given them. It sounded significant, yet Granny Chan wouldn¡¯t elaborate any further.
Casandra and Gideon remained silent, quietly listening to our conversation. They focused on eating their sandwiches and sipping their tea, but their earlier reactions hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed. They must know something about the island that I don¡¯t, I thought, my curiosity deepening.
¡°The island, dear, goes by many names,¡± the old lady began, pausing to sip her tea before continuing. ¡°But among them, it¡¯s most commonly known as Pinocchio Island. Speaking of your aunt, Aria, I must admit¡ªI never expected her to send one of her family members there. It¡¯s quite a bold decision. I just hope she knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±
Her words only deepened my confusion. Pinocchio Island? What kind of place is this? And what did she mean about my aunt¡¯s decision? I felt the weight of my unanswered questions piling up.
I opened my mouth to press her further¡ªabout the island¡¯s name, whether they knew where my aunt might be, and how quickly I could find her so I could ensure her safety and return home¡ªbut my thoughts were cut short.
The cabin door creaked open, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.
A man in his late 30s walked in, dressed casually in a black raincoat. He shrugged it off and hung it up on the same rack as Granny Chan¡¯s, revealing a plain white T-shirt and denim shorts. He wore simple slippers, and silver-rimmed glasses rested on his slightly chubby face. He had a black plastic bag in one hand.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
He scanned the room like he was familiar with it. Cassandra and Gideon looked up for a moment, their expressions unreadable, before going back to their tea and sandwiches, uninterested.
"Hello, Chan. I¡¯m back," the man said, his voice dripping with arrogance.
"Let me see your pass, Jim," Granny Chan replied sharply, her voice laced with irritation. It was clear these two didn¡¯t get along.
Granny Chan stood up slowly, her movements deliberate, and walked toward him. Curious about the tension between them, I stood up too, trailing a few steps behind her, hoping to figure out what was going on.
"Oh, come on, Chan," Jim said with a smirk. "Do we really need to do this every time? You know my face by now." He paused, lowering his voice to a suggestive tone. "We¡¯re old buddies, after all."
"No, we are not," Granny Chan shot back, coldly. "And I know exactly what you are¡ªand what you¡¯ve done to earn a trip to the city. How many this time? If it were up to me, you wouldn¡¯t even be allowed on board. If I had a gun, I¡¯d shoot you myself."
Jim casually rested his hand on his right wrist, still grinning smugly. "Ouch, Chan. That hurts," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you know that''s not how it works. You know the rules just as well as I do, and it¡¯s a good thing I know my rights, huh? Not everyone¡¯s as lucky as you and Bill. And are you really going to bring that up in front of these visitors?"
Visitors, I noted, catching on to his word choice. So, he¡¯s a local there. While I don¡¯t understand most of their conversations and it went over my head, at least I¡¯d managed to glean that small detail. I know it isn¡¯t much, but it¡¯s something. With an exasperated sigh, Granny Chan reached for his wrist. As she inspected it, my eyes followed. On his right wrist was a tattoo¡ªa peculiar design of an inverted italicized "A" with a small crescent moon etched along one end.
So that¡¯s his pass? That¡¯s cool and convenient, I mused, though it stirred more questions than answers. Are locals required to have this kind of tattoo? Is it some sort of mandatory mark, or just a personal choice?
"Now, can I go in?" Jim asked, raising an eyebrow. Without waiting for an answer, he brushed past us and plopped down next to Casandra. She barely looked at him, just sipping her tea like nothing was happening, one hand on the cup, the other resting on the table.
"Oh~ what¡¯s a pretty lady like you doing here?" Jim said, his voice smooth as he reached for her hand. He casually set his black plastic bag next to my lunchbox, ignoring any personal space.
Gideon immediately reacted, his voice calm but firm, carrying an unmistakable authority. ¡°Sir, please let go of her hand.¡±
"Huh? Is he your husband, miss?" Jim smirked, turning his attention to Gideon, his tone clearly mocking.
I couldn¡¯t help but notice a new side to Gideon. He¡¯d been so calm and easygoing earlier, but now there was a sharp protective edge to him. I¡¯d thought of him as warm and laid-back, but this moment made me realize just how quiet and reserved he actually was¡ªuntil Jim showed up. Thinking back, it had been Casandra who took the lead in starting conversations with me, while Gideon remained quietly observant.
Casandra, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by Jim¡¯s antics. Her calm smile didn¡¯t waver as she replied smoothly, ¡°No, he¡¯s not. But you should still listen to him, mister.¡±
Jim chuckled, undeterred. ¡°Oh, then what is he? Your boyfriend? Brother?¡± His tone was mocking, dripping with a careless disregard for the tension in the room.
Gideon¡¯s jaw tightened, and a flicker of impatience crossed his face. I bet, he wasn¡¯t the type to lose his composure easily, but it was clear Jim was testing his limits. Whatever calm restraint Gideon had left seemed to be slipping, and I had a feeling things were about to escalate.
¡°Jim, don¡¯t stir up trouble,¡± Granny Chan warned from the side, her tone sharp and commanding.
But Jim dismissed her with a wave of his hand, his tone dismissive and rude. ¡°Stay out of this, old lady! This has nothing to do with you. What¡¯s wrong with a little fun, huh? Just trying to get to know her better.¡±
Casandra¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but something in her eyes shifted. The warmth drained away, replaced by a glint of something sharper¡ªsomething dangerous. ¡°A little fun, you say?¡± she murmured, her voice calm, almost too calm, as she placed her teacup down on the table with deliberate care.
Then it happened. Before anyone could react, Casandra moved with the speed of a striking snake. In a blur, she had Jim¡¯s head pinned firmly to the table, her grip ironclad. The shift in her demeanor was chilling. Her pleasant smile had vanished, replaced by a cold, predatory focus that sent a shiver down my spine.
The room fell silent, the air thick with tension. Jim winced and let out a strangled yelp of pain, but Casandra didn¡¯t flinch. It was as if a switch had flipped, revealing a side of her I hadn¡¯t imagined could exist.
Ow! Fuck! Let me go!¡± Jim yelped, his voice pitching higher with each word as he squirmed under Casandra¡¯s unyielding grip.
Casandra¡¯s composure was unnerving, her strength even more so. She didn¡¯t waver, her tone calm yet brimming with icy authority. ¡°You should have kept your hands to yourself, sir. Now, will you promise to keep your distance?¡±
¡°Fuck you!¡± Jim spat, his defiance loud but hollow.
Casandra¡¯s response was swift and unforgiving. She pressed down harder, forcing a sharp yelp from him. The storm outside punctuated the moment with a low growl of thunder. Jim¡¯s bravado cracked, his eyes welling with tears as he finally conceded, his voice desperate. ¡°Yes! Yes! I promise!¡±
With a measured grace, Casandra let him go, stepping back and raising her hands as if to show she meant no further harm.
Jim staggered to his feet, his face flushed with humiliation. ¡°Fuck!¡± he snarled, lurching forward to grab at Casandra¡¯s hair.
But she was faster. With a quick, precise motion, she delivered a hard, straight punch to his face. The sickening crunch that followed left no doubt about its force. Jim¡¯s body crumpled to the floor like a rag doll, his nose grotesquely bent and bleeding profusely.
The room fell into stunned silence. All eyes were on Casandra, who calmly retrieved her cup and resumed her tea, face relaxed as if nothing had happened.
Gideon¡¯s reaction caught my attention. He wasn¡¯t shocked¡ªin fact, he seemed... satisfied. A faint smile played on his lips, or at least I thought I saw one. Was I imagining it?
Chapter 9: The Day and the Dream
The door creaked open, and Bill stepped in. His expression remained indifferent as his eyes fell on Jim''s unconscious body sprawled on the floor. He didn¡¯t say a word, nor did he seem particularly concerned.
Casandra stood, brushing her hands against her blue jeans as though dusting off the encounter itself. ¡°I think I¡¯m done here, ma¡¯am Chan,¡± she said with a polite smile. ¡°Let me take care of the dishes for you. And Aria, those sandwiches were delicious¡ªthank you.¡±
Before I could respond, Casandra moved seamlessly into cleanup mode, gathering the dishes and my lunchbox with practiced ease. Granny Chan joined her at the sink.
Without hesitation, Gideon approached Jim¡¯s crumpled, unconscious form. His movements were purposeful but unhurried as he bent down to hoist one of Jim¡¯s arms over his shoulder.
¡°I¡¯ve got him,¡± Gideon said. Bill nodded silently and stepped in to assist, lifting the other arm to his shoulder. Together, they carried him to the boys¡¯ sleeping quarters.
It was... quite the sight how amazingly Casandra defended herself.
The memory of Granny Chan¡¯s earlier remark about wanting to shoot Jim with a gun lingered in my mind. He definitely seemed like a handful, arrogant, careless and, frankly, not the brightest bulb.
But did he really deserve such intense hate?
The punch, sure¡ªthat was well-earned. But a bullet? I wasn¡¯t so sure. Then again, I didn¡¯t know Jim well enough to fully understand what might have earned him such animosity.
As the guys disappeared into the other room, my gaze landed on the black plastic bag Jim had left behind. I hesitated before picking it up, curiosity getting the better of me. The bag was partially open, revealing its unsettling contents: a pair of handcuffs, nails, a hammer, and a whip. The sight made my stomach churn uneasily. What could he possibly need these for?
Still holding the bag, I followed the men into the boys¡¯ room. As I entered, I confirmed my earlier assumption¡ªit was a mirror image of the girls¡¯ room. Two sets of bunk beds stood neatly against the walls, simple yet functional.
Gideon and Bill worked in unison, placing Jim¡¯s limp body onto the lower bunk. Now, unconscious and sprawled out, he looked oddly harmless¡ªa far cry from the smug and aggressive man from earlier.
I considered placing the plastic bag beside him, but the thought made me pause. If he woke up and used any of these items for revenge, it could end badly. Instead, I handed the bag to Gideon.
¡°I think this is safer with you,¡± I said.
Gideon gave me a small nod of appreciation as he took the bag. Bill, meanwhile, had already grabbed a mop and was diligently cleaning the small trail of blood Jim had left on the floor.
I stepped out of the room, and my phone buzzed in my pocket¡ªa notification warning me it was down to 20%. Sighing, I approached Granny Chan and Casandra, hoping one of them might have a phone charger I could borrow. Unfortunately, they both shook their heads apologetically.
¡°Sorry, dear,¡± Granny Chan said her tone warm but regretful. ¡°We don¡¯t use much of that here.¡±
I sighed again, glancing at my wristwatch. It was exactly 12:00 noon. As I stood there pondering my next move, Bill approached Granny Chan. After a brief exchange and finishing his task of cleaning the floor, the two of them stepped outside.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Looks like we¡¯re finally going to set sail, I thought.
Casandra reappeared to return my lunchbox with a kind smile before heading to the boys¡¯ room. And just like that, I found myself alone again.
Feeling full and utterly drained from the morning¡¯s events, I made my way to the girls¡¯ quarters. Climbing onto the top bunk, I lay back and let my thoughts wander.
What a day.
I replayed everything I¡¯d experienced since stepping onto the boat, my mind racing with questions that seemed to have no immediate answers. The people around me were busy, making it difficult to ask about the island and my aunt.
What have you been up to all this time, Aunt Marie? What have you gotten yourself into?
I raised my left hand, letting the soft light catch on my wristwatch and bracelet as I playfully stretched toward the ceiling.
This place¡ªthe island¡ªfelt like stepping into another world entirely. It had its own peculiar rules, names, and unspoken codes, and nothing about it made sense to me yet.
My thoughts drifted back to Aunt Marie¡¯s parting words: Red Riding Hood, trust the wolf, avoid the villagers, don¡¯t lose the code. Her cryptic advice had felt like a riddle when she first said it, but now it seemed even more ominous. With a name like Pinocchio Island, the whole situation felt like some psychedelic fairy tale.
My brother¡¯s voice echoed in my mind: Something¡¯s going on. And for the first time, I was starting to think he¡¯s right.
Even so, despite the island¡¯s undeniable intrigue, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to care about its mysteries. My priority was finding Aunt Marie so I could go home and resume my life¡ªespecially the practices I had to miss for this unexpected trip.
I remembered Granny Chan mentioning that Bill was close to Aunt Marie. Perhaps he¡¯d be my best bet for answers. And then there was Jim¡¯s bizarre bag of tools. My curiosity tugged at me. What could he possibly need with a whip and handcuffs? Hopefully nothing twisted.
I pulled out my phone, hoping to find a message or some update, but there was no signal.
Great. No charger, no signal, and this crappy weather. Perfect.
With a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes.
Before I knew it, sleep began to take over, pulling me into its quiet embrace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had the dream of the black bird again, but this time it felt sharper, more clearer than before. I found myself standing in a serene field of wildflowers deep within a forest. The blossoms were cosmos and yellow daisies, swaying gently under the warmth of a golden sun. Everything around me felt tranquil, bathed in light, and the air carried a soothing stillness.
I wore a simple white dress and Aunt Marie¡¯s red bracelet. I walked through the field, my bare feet brushing against soft petals, my steps led me to a small, clear pond. I knelt by its edge, gazing at my reflection in the still water. Tentatively, I reached out to touch the surface.
The moment my fingers grazed the water, ripples distorted the reflection. Then, as if my touch had triggered something, the sky darkened suddenly. Shadows swallowed the light, and the flowers surrounding me began to shift in color, transforming into a deep, unsettling red. Even the pond turned crimson, its surface reflecting an ominous sheen.
Fear gripped me, and I stumbled backward, collapsing onto the ground. I turned to my right and saw a black bird perched nearby, its dark eyes fixed on me, sharp and unrelenting. It studied me for a long moment, its presence oddly familiar. I reached out a hand, hoping to connect with it, but before I could touch it, the bird spread its wings and flew away.
That¡¯s when I heard it¡ªa sound from the woods. I turned and saw a wolf emerge, its fur a striking, pure white. But its eyes were red¡ªpiercing, unnatural, and haunting.
I panicked and tried to run, but the ground beneath my feet turned to thick, sucking mud, trapping me in place. Fear clawed at me as the wolf came closer, and just when I thought it might pounce, I felt a hand grab mine.
I turned to see a man standing beside me. His face was blurry, indistinct, but I could feel his presence¡ªsteady, almost protective. Then I looked down at myself. My once-pristine white dress was stained red, a dark blotch spreading over my stomach. Blood¡ªwas it mine? Was he helping me or had he hurt me?
Before I could make sense of it, the dream shattered, and I woke up abruptly.
I blinked, disoriented by the swaying of the boat beneath me. The room was dim, the sky outside the window still heavy with gray clouds. The sea stretched endlessly, dark and unyielding. Checking my wristwatch, I saw that it was 4:39 p.m.
The dream lingered in my mind, vivid and disturbing. I couldn¡¯t shake the image of the wolf, the guy, or the blood-stained dress. What did it all mean? Was the man trying to protect me, or was he a threat? The uncertainty gnawed at me.
Maybe it was just my tired mind playing tricks, blending the weird events of the day into a strange dream. I sighed and tried to push the thoughts away.
This wasn¡¯t how I¡¯d imagined my summer would start¡ªnot even close.
Chapter 10 The Conversation
Hoping for a distraction, I picked up my phone. Still no signal, and the battery had dropped to 15%.
Frustrated, I decided to step out of the room to look for someone¡ªanyone.
The hallway was silent, and no one seemed to be around. Feeling a bit uneasy, I knocked on the door to the men¡¯s room. No response.
I hesitated before slowly pushing the door open. The room was silent except for the soft, steady sound of breathing. My gaze landed on Jim, sprawled out on the lower bunk, completely still. He was fast asleep, his nose carefully set and wrapped in a clean bandage.
"Wow," I muttered quietly. "Casandra really knocked him out cold."
It struck me that someone¡ªlikely Gideon or Bill¡ªhad taken the time to help him, despite everything that had happened ¡ªa small act of decency, even if it seems it wasn¡¯t entirely deserved.
I quietly closed the door to the men¡¯s room and stepped outside the trunk cabin. The cool breeze was refreshing, carrying the salty scent of the sea. The sky had begun to slowly clear, with streaks of sunset breaking through the dark clouds. It was a beautiful sight.
As I stood there, soaking in the moment, I heard muffled voices. They were coming from the side of the cabin. My first instinct was to ignore them, but I¡¯m feeling a bit nosy.
I leaned just enough to hear without being noticed. It was Casandra and Gideon talking, and their conversation sounded pretty serious.
¡°Can we really trust her?¡± Gideon asked, his voice sounding guarded.
¡°I think we can. She seems sweet,¡± Casandra replied casually, almost brushing off his concerns.
¡°Casandra, stop that,¡± Gideon said sharply. I imagined him frowning, maybe even pouting, at her carefree attitude.
¡°What? You¡¯re still worried about where she got her ticket?¡± Casandra teased. I felt a knot in my chest¡ªthey were talking about me.
¡°She said it¡¯s from her aunt, so I don¡¯t see any issue,¡± Casandra added, almost defending me¡ªor maybe just not taking it seriously.
¡°And where did her aunt get it?¡± Gideon countered, his tone heavy with doubt. ¡°You know these tickets aren¡¯t easy to come by. Regular people don¡¯t have access to them. We should be on guard and avoid getting too involved.¡±
Casandra sighed, but her voice softened while staying firm. ¡°Gideon, she¡¯s just a kid. She probably doesn¡¯t know much about all this. Her aunt could have connections, same as us. That¡¯s probably how she got it¡ªnothing more.¡±
Gideon didn¡¯t sound convinced. ¡°Casandra, our mission is too important to take any chances. We can¡¯t afford risks¡ªnot with her or anyone else.¡±
There was a heavy silence after that, and the tension between them was thick. Their conversation was laced with something bigger, something I didn¡¯t understand. I felt like I¡¯d been listening too long and quietly backed away, careful not to make a sound.
As I walked away from the deck, my thoughts raced. What kind of mission were they on? What exactly were they talking about? And why was I suddenly seen as a risk?
The conversation left me unsettled.
They don¡¯t trust me.
It was obvious now¡ªI couldn¡¯t rely on them for answers. Casandra¡¯s warmth had felt genuine, but after overhearing that, I wasn¡¯t sure I could fully trust her anymore. Asking her questions might only lead to Gideon finding out, and I didn¡¯t want to make things worse.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Jim crossed my mind briefly, but I immediately dismissed the idea. After his behavior earlier, there was no way I¡¯d count on him for anything.
That left Granny Chan or Bill.
Between the two, Bill seemed like the safer bet¡ªcalm, steady, and likely to be upfront. His stoic expression might not scream ¡°approachable,¡± but he struck me as someone who wouldn¡¯t sugarcoat the truth. If anyone could give me answers without drama, it would probably be him.
I headed back to the dining table, my mind busy figuring out how to approach Bill, when the door to the men¡¯s quarters creaked open. My heart skipped a beat, and I froze. Jim stepped out, looking unsteady, his movements sluggish. I stayed quiet, unsure of what to do or say.
Thankfully, at that moment, Granny Chan entered, carrying a basket full of vegetables and fishes. I let out a quiet sigh of relief; I didn¡¯t like the idea of being alone with Jim.
¡°Well, look who¡¯s up,¡± Granny Chan said casually, setting the basket down.
¡°Where¡¯s that bitch?¡± Jim snarled, his voice full of venom. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll kill her.¡±
Granny Chan didn¡¯t even flinch. She waved him off, her expression unimpressed. ¡°Oh, stop your whining. Try anything, and she¡¯ll probably knock you flat again¡ªjust like before.¡±
Jim¡¯s face darkened, and his anger flared. ¡°What did you say, old lady?¡± he snapped, his voice sharp and threatening.
Before things could rocket, the door swung open, and Casandra and Gideon walked in.
¡°Everything okay, ma¡¯am?¡± Gideon asked, his gaze sweeping the room until it landed on Jim.
Casandra¡¯s eyes followed, and her lips curled into a bright, almost teasing smile. ¡°Oh, look who¡¯s up,¡± she said cheerfully, her tone light but carrying an edge of mischief.
Jim froze, his earlier aggression dimming under Casandra¡¯s calm and collected presence. Their eyes locked, his defiance flickering like a dying flame. He straightened, forcing a sharp ¡°Che!¡± out of his mouth¡ªa weak attempt to salvage his pride.
Without another word, he pushed past Casandra and Gideon, heading outside, likely needing space¡ªor a chance to save face.
I stood up and approached Granny Chan, offering to help with dinner. She handed me a knife and a cutting board, instructing me to slice the vegetables. Casandra joined in, gathering plates and setting the table. Gideon, meanwhile, asked if there was anything he could do.
Granny Chan glanced at him and said, ¡°Just keep an eye on Jim¡ªor go find Bill if you¡¯d rather. He might need help.¡±
Taking her advice, Gideon nodded and left the room.
As I chopped vegetables, I couldn¡¯t shake a slight sense of offense. Knowing what Gideon and Casandra had said about me earlier cast a shadow over their friendliness, making it feel... complicated. I appreciated Casandra¡¯s lighthearted demeanor, but Gideon¡¯s guardedness was hard to ignore.
Despite the unease, I reminded myself of what mattered most: finding answers. I needed to find a chance to talk to Bill. He seemed like my best option. I glanced at my watch: 5:20 PM. Time was slipping away, and I couldn¡¯t afford to wait much longer to act.
Dinner was served, and the cabin had grown quiet. I was left at the table with Casandra and Gideon, their presence both comforting and unnerving at the same time. Jim helped himself to a plate and disappeared outside, while Granny Chan had prepared something for Bill, likely taking it to him at the control room.
I shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to navigate the silence. This was quickly becoming an increasingly awkward situation for me.
¡°Enjoying the food, Aria?¡± Casandra asked, her tone warm and friendly.
¡°Yeah,¡± I answered quickly, keeping my response short. Small talk felt difficult, especially knowing what I¡¯d overheard earlier. My main focus was on finishing my meal so I could slip away to talk to Bill once Granny Chan returned.
Casandra tilted her head slightly, studying me. ¡°Is something wrong, Aria?¡± she asked, more curious than concerned.
I felt Gideon¡¯s calm but intense gaze on me, and for some reason, it made me nervous. Flustered, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ¡°Are you and Gideon¡ lovers?¡±
Gideon choked on his water, coughing loudly as he scrambled to take a sip from his glass. Casandra, meanwhile, burst into a soft laugh, clearly entertained¡ªnot by my question, but by Gideon¡¯s reaction.
¡°Oh, getting nosy, are we, Aria?¡± Casandra teased, a playful sparkle in her eyes.
Realizing how inappropriate my question was, I stammered an apology. ¡°No, I¡ªI¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t have to answer. I didn¡¯t mean to invade your privacy.¡±
Casandra waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Well, it¡¯s true that Gideon and I are partners,¡± she said with a mischievous smile, glancing at him and giving a flirty wink.
I swore I saw Gideon¡¯s face turn red. ¡°Casandra, please,¡± he said, his voice tinged with embarrassment and seriousness. Her playful words had a double meaning, I realized. They were definitely ¡°partners,¡± but likely in something that I don¡¯t know of. Whatever mission or goal they were pursuing, it was clear their bond ran deep.
Just then, Granny Chan came back into the room. Her timing couldn¡¯t have been better. I finished the last bite of my meal and stood up, excusing myself.
¡°Thanks for dinner, Granny. It was delicious,¡± I said as I carried my plate to the sink to wash it.
¡°Done already? Where are you off to, dear?¡± she asked, her tone kind but curious.
¡°Just stepping out for some fresh air,¡± I replied. ¡°I think the motion sickness is catching up to me.¡±
She frowned slightly, a flicker of concern crossing her face. ¡°I¡¯ve got some mint that might help with that.¡±
I shook my head, smiling politely. ¡°No, thank you, Granny. I think the fresh air will do the trick.¡±
After rinsing off my plate, I slipped out of the cabin, determined to find Bill and hopefully get some answers.
Chapter 11: What She had Done
As I stepped outside, I almost collided with Jim.
¡°What?¡± he snapped, his tone sharp and full of irritation.
Startled, I quickly moved aside, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact. ¡°Sorry,¡± I murmured. He didn¡¯t even acknowledge my apology.
¡°Women,¡± he muttered under his breath, his words dripping with contempt as he brushed past me, likely heading inside to deal with his plate.
I pushed the brief encounter out of my mind and continued toward the control room. As expected, I found Bill there, steady at the wheel, his gaze fixed on the endless stretch of ocean ahead.
This is my chance, I thought, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I walked over and stopped just close enough to be heard.
¡°Excuse me, sir¡ªBill or Billy,¡± I began nervously. ¡°I¡¯m Aria Greenfield. My Aunt Marie sent me to the island. Do you remember her?¡±
Bill turned toward me, his expression calm but unreadable. Encouraged by his attention, I pressed on.
¡°Granny Chan mentioned that you and my aunt were close. I was hoping you might know where her house is located on the island? I should have asked her before I left, but everything happened so quickly...¡±
I trailed off, realizing I was rambling without giving him a chance to respond. His steady gaze made me fidget, the silence stretching uncomfortably.
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I know I should¡¯ve waited or asked Granny Chan to introduce me properly, but I just need to know if you¡¯ve heard from my aunt. I feel like she might need help, and¡ª¡±
Bill still didn¡¯t say a word. Instead, he reached out and gestured, making a motion with his hands.
Confused, I stared at him, trying to interpret the silent gestures. When it became clear I wasn¡¯t understanding, he began searching for something¡ªbut came up empty-handed.
Finally, he reached for my hands to get my attention. Startled, I pulled them back reflexively.
¡°Look, sir,¡± I blurted, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯ve upset you. I didn¡¯t mean to intrude or be rude, I just... I just need to know about my aunt.¡±
¡°He can¡¯t talk,¡± came Granny Chan¡¯s voice from behind me.
I froze, heat rising to my face.
¡°Granny Chan, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I stammered. ¡°I came here without asking permission, and I...¡± I hesitated, realizing how impatient and selfish I must seem. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to be disrespectful. I just wanted to know if he could help me find her.¡±
Granny Chan approached with a soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright, dear,¡± she said gently. ¡°Bill isn¡¯t upset. He¡¯s mute¡ªhas been for years. He communicates in other ways, but it¡¯s not always easy for people to understand.¡±
Mute? That explained the gestures and his silence. I felt a pang of guilt for my assumptions.
¡°I see,¡± I said softly, glancing back at Bill, who gave me a small nod as if to reassure me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to make things difficult.¡±
Granny Chan patted my shoulder gently, her touch oddly reassuring despite the storm brewing inside me. ¡°You¡¯re just worried about your aunt,¡± she said quietly, her voice tinged with an emotion I couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°And that¡¯s understandable.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
I nodded, swallowing the knot of apprehension in my throat. ¡°Thank you,¡± I murmured
Granny Chan motioned for me to follow her back to the cabin. As I walked away, I felt a mix of relief and regret. One thing was clear: on this journey, I¡¯d need to rely on patience and understanding more than ever.
And that¡¯s the real challenge¡ªpatience has never been my strong suit.
I gave Bill a small, polite nod as I followed Granny Chan out of the control room, feeling the weight of unanswered questions pressing down on me. Frustrated, I let out a sigh, tilting my head up toward the sky. Suddenly, something caught my eye, and without thinking, I pointed and blurted out, ¡°There it is again!¡±
Granny Chan stopped in her tracks, her gaze following the direction of my hand. ¡°What is it, dear? The birds?¡±
¡°Yes, Granny, but not just any birds¡ªthe black ones,¡± I explained, my voice tinged with both excitement and unease. ¡°For some reason, I keep seeing them everywhere.¡±
Granny Chan raised an eyebrow, studying the flock in the distance. ¡°Interesting,¡± she murmured.
Something about her tone spurred me on. I suddenly remembered how she had explained the meaning of my name earlier. Maybe she could help me make sense of the strange dreams that had been haunting me.
¡°Granny,¡± I began hesitantly, ¡°you seemed to know a lot about names and meanings. Do you think you could help me figure out what my dream might mean?¡±
Her interest deepened, and she gave me an encouraging nod. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me more, child? What happened in your dream?¡±
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts, and began recounting the dream to Granny Chan. I tried to piece it all together¡ªthe eerie scenes, the strange emotions.
I described the man, his presence both enthralling and alarming, and the wolf that seemed to watch me with an almost human intelligence. I mentioned the dress I was wearing, its color and texture vivid in my mind, and the strange connection I felt to everything around me and the black bird.
I didn¡¯t leave anything out, recounting each detail I could remember. By the time I finished, it felt like I¡¯d laid out pieces of a puzzle, waiting for Granny Chan to help make sense of it all.
Granny Chan¡¯s expression turned thoughtful as I finished speaking. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the other symbolics, but in many cultures,¡± she began, ¡°a black bird in a dream often symbolizes change, transformation, or the mysteries of the unknown. Sometimes, it¡¯s seen as a bridge between life and death, a guide to hidden truths or transitions.¡±
Her words sent a slight chill through me.
¡°A connection,¡± I murmured, recalling how strong that feeling was in the dream. But a guide between life and death? That sounded more ominous than I wanted to admit.
Granny Chan interrupted my spiraling thoughts. ¡°What kind of black bird was it, Aria? That¡¯s an important detail.¡±
I hesitated. ¡°Why does that matter?¡±
She explained patiently. ¡°If it was a crow, it might signify bad luck, misfortune, or even death¡ªespecially if it felt threatening or ominous. But if it was a raven, it¡¯s often tied to transitions, personal growth, or major changes. Ravens are seen as guides, not just harbingers.¡±
I wracked my memory, trying to recall the bird¡¯s details. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± I admitted. Then, with a spark of clarity, I added, ¡°But I think it was a raven. That feels... right.¡±
The word stirred something within me, pulling at a faint memory. That¡¯s right!¡ªMr. Sentinel from the cab had mentioned his daughter, Raven. And then there was that girl on the school bus. Could she have been the Raven he was talking about? Oh, and the black birds on the tree at school after practice¡ Could it all be connected somehow? It had to mean something, right?
Granny Chan nodded, her voice calm but firm. ¡°If it was a raven, it means you¡¯re on the cusp of something important¡ªa change that will test you. But your instincts, Aria, they¡¯ll guide you. Trust them.¡±
Her words hung in the air as we walked toward the trunk cabin. Could I really rely on myself when everything felt so uncertain? The black bird¡ªraven or not¡ªseemed less like a helpful guide and more like an omen, hinting at something I wasn¡¯t ready to face yet.
As we reached the cabin door, I couldn¡¯t hold back my curiosity any longer. I hesitated, then asked, ¡°Granny, has Bill always been mute? Was he born that way?¡±
Granny paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob. The question seemed to pull a shadow over her face, her soft smile fading into something heavier. The silence between us grew thick and uneasy.
¡°No,¡± she said quietly, her tone weighed down. ¡°He wasn¡¯t born mute. It was... cut.¡± Her gaze drifted toward the control room where Bill was. ¡°Your aunt was the one who suggested it.¡±
Her words hit me like a punch to the chest. My breath caught, the air suddenly feeling too thin.
Cut.
The word echoed in my mind, sharp and jarring. I stared at her, trying to grasp what she¡¯d just said. My aunt? How? Why?
¡°She... what?¡± I finally managed, my voice trembling.
Granny took my hand and led me a few steps away from the cabin door, as if she doesn¡¯t want anyone else to overhear.
¡°It was for his safety,¡± she said in a low, almost whispering tone, though her explanation carried little comfort. ¡°For all of our safety.¡±
I stared at her, my stomach churning as the weight of her words settled over me. My thoughts spun, trying to reconcile the aunt I thought I knew with the version hinted at now.
¡°Cut,¡± I repeated, the word foreign and heavy on my tongue. ¡°How could that be for safety? How could she do that to him?¡±
Granny¡¯s gaze hardened, though her eyes remained calm. ¡°Sometimes, child, what seems cruel is a necessary choice to shield against a greater threat. Bill understands that. We all do.¡±
Her words lingered in the air, but they brought me no easement. I couldn¡¯t understand how Granny Chan could justify¡ªlet alone feel grateful for¡ªwhat my aunt had done. The weight of it left me conflicted, torn between trusting Granny¡¯s wisdom and the unease clawing at my thoughts.
Chapter 12: Messages
¡°This doesn¡¯t make any sense,¡± I said, my voice trembling. ¡°What kind of person would do that to someone? How is that supposed to help?¡±
Granny Chan¡¯s expression softened, but there was a sadness in her eyes. ¡°Dear, I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t tell you more about your aunt,¡± she said gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there are things we¡¯re not allowed to share. It¡¯s beyond what we¡¯re here to do.¡±
¡°But why?¡± I pressed, my voice cracking under the weight of frustration and confusion.
She let out a heavy sigh, as though carrying a burden too great to explain. ¡°Some truths aren¡¯t ours to tell,¡± she said softly, her tone firm but not unkind. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aria, but that¡¯s all I can say.¡±
Her cryptic response only made the chill in the air feel sharper. A prickle of unease spread across my skin, as though even the world around us was keeping secrets. The silence that followed was heavy, each unanswered question pressing down on me harder than the last.
Granny Chan hinted that I should drop the topic and head inside, but I stood my ground.
¡°No,¡± I said suddenly, my voice cutting through the thick silence, stubborn. Granny Chan looked at me, her surprise momentarily flickering across her face. ¡°I... Granny, I need to know. What exactly did my aunt do? Why would she suggest something so cruel? Is she...¡± I paused, my voice shaking. ¡°Is she a bad person?¡±
Granny Chan¡¯s eyes widened at my directness, her lips pressing into a thin line. For what felt like an eternity, she didn¡¯t speak. The only sound was the gentle creak of the ship as it swayed in the water.
I braced myself for whatever truth¡ªor unspoken answer¡ªmight follow.
Granny Chan finally said her tone heavy with regret. "I''m sorry, dear. I shouldn''t have said it like that. I wish I could tell you everything, but, you see, we islanders have our roles to play. When we step outside those roles, consequences follow. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything in the first place."
Her words weighed on me, and as much as I wanted to press for answers, I didn¡¯t want to be responsible for whatever consequences might come from it.
But... outside their role? What did that even mean? It was just another question to add to the pile, and all I was getting were vague answers. Was that what the conversation with Jim was about? Each of them had a role to play?
Then by miracle, Granny Chan glanced at me again, and I must¡¯ve looked grim or really troubled because she sighed deeply before speaking again.
¡°Okay, I¡¯ll tell you one thing, but that¡¯s it. Any other information, I¡¯ll have my grandson fill you in. He¡¯s the one who has the privilege to dispose information. I¡¯ll introduce him once we¡¯re on the island. After that, no more questions while you¡¯re on the boat, especially with Jim here, okay, Aria?¡± I nodded eagerly in response.
She pulled me a little closer and asked, ¡°Have you seen the tickets yours and the others?¡±
¡°Do you mean Casandra and Gideon?¡± I clarified.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
¡°Yes, them. Before I went outside the trunk cabin, I grabbed this to show Bill and tell him that Marie sent you, but you beat me to him.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I apologized again.
Granny Chan showed me the tickets. Mine was a little bit different from Casandra¡¯s and Gideon¡¯s¡ªmine was printed in red.
Granny Chan leaned in and whispered, "You see, Aria, Casandra and Gideon are what we call visitors."
"But I''m a visitor too, right? I have a ticket," I said, still confused.
"Shh... dear, lower your voice. Jim might be listening," she warned, her tone urgent.
"You''re different, Aria," she continued, barely audible. "You''re what we call... a trespasser." She whispered the word like it was a very grave thing.
"A trespasser?" I repeated, feeling panic rise in my chest. I knew what that meant. Its entering without permission. "But doesn¡¯t the ticket make me a visitor too?"
"No, child," she said seriously. "I¡¯ve illegally allowed you to be on board. It¡¯s a favor to your aunt, a kind of payment and respect. So, if any islander finds out about this, Bill and I will have to pay a great price."
Illegally? What is going on?
"Aria, this is for your safety," Granny Chan warned, her voice lowering. "Never mention that the ticket came from your aunt or speak about this, especially once you reach the island."
That¡¯s why Casandra had asked about my ticket, and why Gideon seemed to be on edge. But I had already told them everything. I stiffened.
"Granny Chan, what kind of danger am I in?" I asked, my voice trembling. The weight of the unknown was pressing down on me, feeding my growing paranoia.
¡°I truly hope your aunt knows what she¡¯s doing, Aria,¡± Granny Chan said, her tone a mix of concern and reassurance. ¡°In any case, try to relax. As long as my grandson provides you with the information you need and you stick to the rules, nothing bad should happen.¡±
Suddenly a door open and Jim came out.
¡°Ah fuck, great. Now the old lady and the kid.¡± He said it complaining and sounds tired.
¡°Not having the best time now, are we, Jim?¡± Granny Chan said casually, her tone as natural as ever.
I started walking, heading back into the cabin without waiting for Granny Chan. I needed space. I felt drained and overwhelmed.
¡°Got some fresh air, Aria?¡± Casandra¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts as I passed by the table where she and Gideon still sat. Their faces were bright with amusement¡ªthey must have been teasing Jim that''s why he went out. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to join in or even respond, so I kept walking, straight to the girls¡¯ room.
¡°What was that about?¡± I heard Casandra remark behind me. I knew it was rude to brush past them like that, but my frustration over unanswered questions was bubbling over. It irritated me to my core.
I climbed up to the top bunk and flopped onto it with a heavy thud, groaning in frustration.
If my brother hadn¡¯t said what he did, I might have dismissed all of this as some elaborate joke.
Granny Chan¡¯s words echoed in my mind: ¡°I truly hope your aunt knows what she¡¯s doing, Aria.¡±
¡°Yeah, me too, Granny,¡± I muttered under my breath, staring at the ceiling.
I was so looking forward to talk to bill, but what a bummer knowing he¡¯s mute. The universe is not helping at all.
The first thing I¡¯m doing when I see Aunt Marie is confronting her head-on. I¡¯ll tell her straight up¡ªshe¡¯s got to be out of her mind sending me to a place she barely explained. Why make everything so puzzling? Her vague messages haunt me, taking up way too much space in my head.
I checked my phone, hoping for at least one message, but there was nothing. My battery was at 8%, and I had two bars of signal¡ªnot great, but enough to work with.
I started typing a message to Beth, trying to strike the right balance of cheerfulness and mysteriousness:
"Hey Bestie,
I¡¯m finally on my way to the island, and let me tell you, it¡¯s been a rollercoaster ever since I got on board. Shocking and confusing stuff about Aunt Marie and the island keeps coming up. Honestly, it sounds like a prank, and maybe it is, but Kyle keeps telling me to stay on my toes. I¡¯ve got so much to share, but not much time to explain. I¡¯ll send a photo when I get there. Talk soon!"
Satisfied, I hit send and moved on to texting Mom:
"Hi Mom,
I¡¯m on the boat now, just like you wanted. I¡¯m lying on the top bunk, trying to pass the time. I¡¯ve been hearing some really unsettling things about Aunt Marie¡ªyou wouldn¡¯t believe them either. It¡¯s all super confusing, but I¡¯m trying not to overthink it. They¡¯re probably just exaggerating.
Anyway, if something wild happens and I don¡¯t make it back (just kidding¡ kinda), I just want you, Dad, and Kyle to know I love you. Oh, and the sandwiches you packed were a hit¡ªI shared them with everyone. I forgot my charger, so I¡¯ll message you when I can. Love you!"
I smiled as I sent it, realizing I might¡¯ve guilt-tripped her just a bit. But honestly, hearing all these strange things about the island was starting to get to me. Still, I knew I needed to see it for myself before jumping to conclusions.
Next, I sent a quick message to Dad:
"Hey Dad,
How¡¯s the business trip with Kyle? Hope you¡¯re having a great time ?? Love, Aria."
Finally, I wrote to Kyle, keeping it casual but filling him in a little:
"Yo, Kyle!
How was practice? You won¡¯t believe this¡ªapparently Aunt Marie ordered someone¡¯s tongue to be cut off. Not sure if it¡¯s true, but I¡¯m piecing things together. This trip is nuts¡ªright up your alley, honestly. Something feels off about the villagers, though. Did you know that..."
Before I could finish, the door creaked open, and Casandra stepped in. I quickly glanced at my phone, realizing I¡¯d already hit send.
She gave me a curious look, her tone cautious but still friendly. ¡°Hey, can we talk?¡±
Chapter 13 (Part 1): Approaching
She gave me a curious look, her tone cautious but still friendly. ¡°Hey, can we talk?¡±
For a moment, I wondered if she was upset about how I¡¯d brushed her off earlier. I straightened up on the bed, trying to sound neutral. ¡°What can I do for you, Casandra?¡±
She glanced back over her shoulder, as if checking to make sure no one was listening, then stepped closer to me. ¡°I guess this is a better place to talk,¡± she said with a smile.
I wasn¡¯t in the mood to move, much less climb down from the top bunk, so I stayed put. ¡°Would it be okay if I just stayed here?¡± I asked, half-joking but half-expecting her to insist I come down. Not that I thought Casandra would get aggressive¡ªit didn¡¯t seem like her¡ªbut you never know.
She waved it off. ¡°That¡¯s fine. It won¡¯t take long. I just need something from you.¡±
Curious, I tilted my head. ¡°Oh? What do you need?¡±
¡°Would you mind giving me your phone number?¡±
Her request caught me off guard. Why would she need my number? From what I remembered, she didn¡¯t even have a charger, which made me assume she didn¡¯t have a phone either.
Noticing my hesitation, Casandra quickly added, ¡°Tomorrow we¡¯ll probably reach the island, and I might not get another chance to ask. Besides, once we arrive, we¡¯ll be going our separate ways. Honestly, it¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you¡ªand, whether you believe it or not, I¡¯m actually a little worried about you.¡±
Worried? Why? We hardly knew each other. Her concern didn¡¯t sit right with me, especially after overhearing that conversation with Gideon. Was this just a way for them to keep tabs on me, or was I overthinking everything?
She continued, as if trying to reassure me, ¡°You remind me a lot of my sister. I¡¯d like to stay in touch, you know, in case either of us needs help. I think it could be useful for you, too.¡±
She had a point. An ally could come in handy, especially since Aunt Marie was... well, let¡¯s just say... a bit strange. ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± I said, pulling out my phone. ¡°Give me a sec. I don¡¯t have my number memorized.¡±
I found my contact info and read it out loud. Casandra nodded as I spoke.
¡°Got it,¡± she said.
¡°Wait, really? You didn¡¯t even take out your phone.¡±
She grinned. ¡°Well, my phone¡¯s a bit... different. It doesn¡¯t work like a normal one, and I can¡¯t show it to you right now. But maybe someday.¡±
Different? Odd? What kind of phone was she talking about?
Oh, right. I needed to stop overthinking before my brain short-circuited from all the worrying.
"Is that all, Casandra?" I asked, trying to sound casual.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
"That¡¯s all, thanks!" she said with a quick wave before heading out of the room. There was a hint of awkwardness in her demeanor, but I could sense her sincerity.
As the door closed behind her, my attention shifted back to my phone. Since I¡¯d already written to Beth, Mom, Dad, and Kyle, maybe it was time to message Aunt Marie. Yeah, that seemed like a good idea.
I opened a new message and started typing:
"Hi Aunt Marie,
This is Aria. How are you doing? I''m on my way to see you, but it would be really helpful if you could send me your address or let me know where to find you. Thanks, and see you soon!"
I reread the message. It felt stiff, awkward, and kind of formal. Should I sign it with "Love, Aria," or "From your niece, Aria"? Or maybe just my name? I groaned internally¡ªwhy was writing to her so much harder than messaging anyone else?
Morning came, and we started the day helping out and having breakfast. Thankfully, there were no issues with Jim this time. He stayed quiet and distant, but that was fine¡ªpeace was all that mattered.
We stepped outside to enjoy the ocean breeze, hoping to feel refreshed. Casandra waved at me and gave a playful wink, which made me smile. But Gideon quickly caught on, grabbing her hand as if to silently remind her to keep her distance from me and focus on him instead. I chuckled softly; it was both cute and amusing. I never expected Gideon to be the jealous type, but seeing the slight blush on his face made me realize just how deep their bond must be¡ªand it seemed like he had romantic feelings for her. If that was the case, he struck me as the overly protective boyfriend type.
I reflected over things. It was a bit sad that I hadn¡¯t earned his trust. It would¡¯ve been nice to leave this journey with us as friends instead of just acquaintances.
Granny Chan and I exchanged light conversations. True to my promise, I avoided asking any more questions since our last discussion. I decided to wait until we reached the island for proper answers.
I glanced at Jim as he headed back into the cabin. He could have been one of my direct source of information, but he didn¡¯t seem trustworthy.
I felt a pang of regret that I hadn¡¯t had much of a chance to connect with Bill. Without knowing how to communicate with him, it felt like a missed opportunity.
Granny Chan mentioned that it would only take about an hour, give or take, to reach the island. With that, I figured it was time to start gathering my things and preparing for departure.
Before heading into the cabin and back to the girls'' room, Granny Chan''s words lingered in my mind: "A black bird in a dream often represents change, transformation, or the mysteries of the unknown. It can also symbolize a bridge between life and death, guiding one toward hidden truths or transitions."
I glanced up at the sky finding some kind of reassurance, half-expecting to spot the black bird¡ªor any bird for that matter. But the sky stretched out clear and empty, not a single seagull or feathered creature in sight.
With a small sigh, I turned and made my way inside, pushing the thought to the back of my mind¡ªfor now.
Inside the girls'' room, I pulled a face towel from my bag. I wanted to take a proper bath, but with Jim around, I didn¡¯t feel entirely safe. Instead, I settled on just washing my face.
I sat at the table, resting my chin in my hand, waiting for Jim to come out of the restroom. A soft sigh escaped my lips.
Almost there, Aunt Marie.
When Jim finally stepped out, his damp hair and shirt clearly indicated he''d just taken a bath. He wore a simple white t-shirt and jeans. As soon as he saw me, his face twisted into a scowl.
¡°What? Got something to say?¡± he snapped.
I quickly shook my head, avoiding his gaze.
But then his demeanor shifted, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. ¡°Wait a minute... You look familiar. Hey, you¡ªwhat¡¯s your name?¡±
Chapter 13 ( Part2) Approaching
Panic surged through me. Could Jim recognize me because of Aunt Marie? I didn¡¯t want to answer, but I also didn¡¯t want to provoke him.
¡°A-Aria. Aria Greenfield,¡± I stammered, standing up cautiously.
Before he could respond, I bolted past him, darting into the restroom and locking the door behind me.
¡°What the¡ª!¡± I heard him exclaim, followed by three loud bangs on the door.
¡°Hey! I¡¯m still talking to you, brat!¡± he shouted.
My heart raced as I pressed my hands together, praying he¡¯d leave me alone.
¡°If you don¡¯t come out, I¡¯ll break this door down!¡± he growled, his voice menacing.
Just then, as if my prayer has been answered, Granny Chan¡¯s voice cut through the tension. ¡°What are you doing, Jim?¡±
I exhaled in relief, hearing him mutter something and stomp away.
I took a moment to calm myself, splashing cold water on my face three times before gently patting it dry with the towel. I cracked the door open cautiously, peeking outside. Seeing no one, I hurried back to the girls¡¯ room, locking the door behind me for good measure.
My red jacket, white t-shirt, and cargo pants were fully dry now. As I picked them up, I was surprised by a pleasant scent coming from the fabric. It smelled fresh, almost as if someone had rewashed them and used fabric softener, even though they had dried from the rain.
I guessed it must have been Granny Chan. I made a mental note to thank her later.
I quickly got dressed and tied my boots, glancing at my wristwatch. Only 25 minutes left until we reached the island. A mix of excitement, exhaustion, and nerves churned inside me. After all these years, I was finally going to meet Aunt Marie in person.
I couldn¡¯t wait to confront her, to ask about everything I¡¯d heard and get some answers. Why had she done the things people hinted at? Bill¡¯s distressed expression from the night I asked about her surfaced in my mind, and I clenched my fists in frustration.
I pulled out my phone to check it¡ª4% battery. Still no replies.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
¡°What? Seriously? No one even bothered to reply?¡± I muttered, shaking my head. ¡°Even if they¡¯re busy, they could¡¯ve at least said something.¡± I sighed. ¡°Oh well...¡±
Pushing my frustration aside, I folded my clothes, packed the lunch box back into my bag, and zipped it up, making sure everything was in order. I grabbed a hair tie and quickly pulled my hair into a ponytail, not bothering to comb it¡ªI was too lazy to dig out the comb from my perfectly packed bag. My thoughts wandered as I looked at the bag for a moment.
I checked my wristwatch again¡ª20 minutes left. Tucking it under my sleeve with the red bracelet, I smiled, eager to finally see the island from up close. I unlocked the door and almost bumped into Casandra.
¡°Oh, sorry!¡± I quickly apologized.
¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said, brushing it off. She seemed to be preparing for landing too.
¡°Aria,¡± she called, stopping me in my tracks.
"Yeah?" I turned to face her, noticing the serious look on her face. It reminded me of when Jim caused trouble yesterday, but this time, it wasn¡¯t threatening¡ªjust a warning out of concern.
"Be careful. I don¡¯t know where you''re going, but..." Casandra trailed off, carefully picking her words. It reminded me of her conversation with Gideon. His words echoed in my mind: ¡°Casandra, our mission is too important to take any chances. We can''t afford any risks¡ªnot with her or anyone else.¡± It seemed like Casandra was still thinking about that.
I decided to ease her worries since I could tell she meant well. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Casandra. Thanks. You have my number, right? Plus, I¡¯m meeting my aunt, so there¡¯s no need to worry.¡± I smiled. ¡°Oh, should I save your number?¡±
Casandra¡¯s face lit up, and she smiled. ¡°Ah, no need. You¡¯ll know it¡¯s me when the time comes. Anyway, I should go get my things ready,¡± she said with a smile.
I nodded, watching her head inside as I stepped outside.
I spotted Gideon and he gave me a slight bow, acknowledging my presence before excusing himself and turning back toward the cabin, likely to prepare his things. I wanted to clarify whatever misunderstanding he might have, but I had nothing to say. I simply nodded back.
As soon as he was out of sight, I felt Jim¡¯s intense gaze on me. His expression suggested he was trying to recognize me, as if he was connecting me to someone he knew.
I¡¯d forgotten about him for a moment. I didn¡¯t want Granny Chan or Bill to get into trouble if Jim found out about my connection to Aunt Marie and that she had sent me to the island. So, I quickly bowed my head, trying to show respect while also avoiding any potential conflict. I then turned toward the control room, eager to put some distance between myself and him.
When I entered the room, Granny Chan and Bill looked up at me in surprise. It seemed I had barged in without permission. I wasn¡¯t sure where to go to avoid Jim. I must¡¯ve looked troubled, as Granny¡¯s voice softened with concern.
¡°What¡¯s wrong, dear?¡± she asked, then paused as if realizing something. ¡°Is Jim bothering you again? That man never learns, does he?¡±
I quickly denied it, not wanting them to misunderstand and think Jim was causing trouble when he hadn¡¯t.
Up ahead, I could clearly see the shape of the island as we drew nearer.
If this is some kind of hide-and-seek, or whatever game you''re playing, Aunt Marie, just wait¡ªI¡¯m going to find you. A confident smile spread across my face.
Chapter 14 : The Island
From the way everyone talked about it, I¡¯d expected the island to be something intense¡ªmaybe surrounded by walls or resembling a prison. Instead, to my surprise (and maybe a little disappointment), it turned out to be just an ordinary island. There were trees scattered about, white sandy beaches, and simple wooden houses.
I also noticed small boats in the distance made from bamboo¡ªprobably fishing boats.
Wait¡ in the second video Aunt Marie sent, as I remember, she was inside a wooden house. Could it be one of these? If so, finding her might be easier than I thought.
As far as I can see the island is completely normal. It¡¯s almost like people went out of their way to scare me or stir up some kind of reaction. Maybe they thought it¡¯d be funny to mess with me. Well, they succeeded¡ªmy paranoia was in full gear.
But you know what? I¡¯m relieved it¡¯s nothing like what I imagined. It¡¯s a huge weight off my shoulders.
Granny Chan¡¯s voice brought me back to reality. ¡°Aria, why don¡¯t you pack up your things?¡± she said as the boat began to slow down.
I grinned. ¡°Okay, Granny!¡± I couldn¡¯t hide the excitement in my voice. Even though my bag was already packed, I figured I¡¯d grab it and double-check everything.
As I stood up, I noticed Granny Chan and Mr. Bill exchanging hand signs. I wondered what they meant, but I decided to file it away. With a quick peek to make sure Jim wasn¡¯t lingering outside, I hurried off toward the girls¡¯ room.
Inside the cabin, Casandra and Gideon were already dressed and sitting at the table, their hands resting on its surface as they waited for the boat to fully stop. Jim was likely in the boys¡¯ room, gathering his things.
Once I reached my bunk, I tidied up the bed and straightened out any disorganized items as a small gesture of thanks to Granny Chan for making the journey so comfortable. Then I grabbed my bag and carefully rechecked that I hadn¡¯t left anything behind. Satisfied, I smiled before shutting the door.
The boat docked just far enough from the shore to ensure our shoes and pants would get soaked during the walk to land. Bill must have timed it with the island''s tides in mind, accounting for the ebb and flow.
I let out a small sigh. Even though I felt lazy after all the prep I¡¯d already done, I decided to untie my boots, slip off my socks, and roll up my cargo pants high enough to keep them dry.
Going barefoot seemed like the best choice¡ªI definitely didn¡¯t want to deal with wet boots making me miserable. I tucked my socks into my boots and picked them up with my left hand. Looks like I¡¯ll have to carry these around for a few minutes.
As soon as the boat came to a full stop, Jim was the first to disembark. With his black plastic bag slung over his shoulder, he didn¡¯t glance back or acknowledge anyone¡ªhe simply walked off without a word.
Next, it was Casandra and Gideon¡¯s turn.
¡°See you around, Aria,¡± Casandra said with a small wave and a warm smile, her black umbrella open in one hand to shield herself from the sun¡¯s rays. Gideon, on the other hand, stayed silent, giving me only a brief glance before they both walked off together, moving with purpose toward wherever they were headed.
Gideon really seemed to have his guard up around me, but there wasn¡¯t much I could do about it. I stayed where I was, waiting for Granny Chan. Soon enough, she appeared, wearing her signature raincoat and straw hat.Stolen novel; please report.
¡°Come on, Aria. We¡¯ve got things to do,¡± she said with her usual calm and steady tone, a warm smile lighting up her face.
¡°What about Mr. Bill?¡± I asked, glancing back at the direction of the control room.
¡°He¡¯ll join us later,¡± she explained. ¡°He needs to tend to the boat and unload the crates first.¡±
¡°Okay!¡± I replied cheerfully, following Granny Chan as we stepped off the boat. My feet were immediately soaked, and despite my efforts to roll up my pants, they got a little wet. The sea was the perfect temperature¡ªneither too cold nor too hot¡ªand the water was clear and pleasant. I could feel the soft sand beneath my feet as I sank into it.
As we reached the shore, my eyes caught sight of a boy about my age standing nearby. He had mesmerizing dark brown eyes, sun-kissed tan skin, and strikingly orange-tinged hair that seemed to glow under the sunlight. He was taller than me and wore a plain black tank top that revealed lean, defined muscles. A small mole near his right eye gave him a unique touch. His necklace caught my eye¡ªa small red crystal at the center¡ªwhich only made him seem more attractive. I couldn¡¯t help but blush a little. I guess I¡¯m a sucker for boys around my age with good looks. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how my crush, Jared, was doing.
Beside him were two little girls, dressed in what looked like oversized shirts or simple white dresses. They clung to his sides, their eyes fixed on him while he stared out at the boats on the horizon, completely unaware of us as we walked by.
He must be waiting for someone, I thought, but didn¡¯t linger on it. Granny Chan and I had our own things to focus on.
Granny and I walked a bit further along the sandy path, my boots in hand, leaving footprints as we went. Eventually, we arrived at an inn that stood all by itself, with no other houses nearby. It was something like a traditional nipa hut made from coconut leaves and bamboo, but it was much larger than I had expected.
¡°This is the closest thing we have to a hotel,¡± Granny said, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
¡°It¡¯s amazing, Granny,¡± I said with a grin. I was genuinely impressed. This was my first time seeing a structure like this. Back in the city, all I ever saw were concrete buildings and bright lights. This was so refreshing. I couldn¡¯t help but think it might be what Hawaii looks like, though I¡¯ve never been there.
¡°Do you own this, Granny Chan?¡± I asked curiously.
¡°Yes, my husband built this inn single-handedly,¡± she said, yep, her pride unmistakable.
¡°Single-handedly?¡± I repeated, raising an eyebrow, amused.
¡°That¡¯s right. We islanders don¡¯t usually venture out to places like the city, Aria. We make do with the materials we have here and build our homes and other structures ourselves.¡±
Wow. Everyone here builds like that? That¡¯s incredible. But this inn¡ªit¡¯s huge. The idea of one person constructing it alone was both impressive and hard to wrap my head around.
¡°What¡¯s wrong, young lady? You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Granny asked with a teasing smile.
¡°Well¡ I mean, ¡®single-handedly¡¯ sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, don¡¯t you think, Grandma?¡± I replied hesitantly.
The inn wasn¡¯t multi-story, but it was so wide, beautifully designed, and surrounded by trees and flowers. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many days¡ªor even months¡ªit took to put something like this together, especially if it was truly done alone. I couldn¡¯t hide my doubts.
¡°Well, you¡¯re right,¡± Granny Chan chuckled, her tone playful, though she didn¡¯t bother to clarify if she was joking or serious. We started to head inside, but before we could step through the door, a fat gray cat trotted up to us. It wore a black collar with a silver tag engraved with the name Sky.
Just then, a cheerful voice called out, ¡°Granny! Sky must have heard you, and I figured I¡¯d follow since Sky always knows your voice. Huh?¡± The boy¡¯s words trailed off as his eyes landed on me.
¡°Oh, Charlie, great timing,¡± Granny said, unfazed. ¡°Go help your father with the crates on the shore, will you? We¡¯ll be heading out soon.¡±
Charlie looked about my age. He was shirtless and wore a light knee-length shorts, his tanned skin glowing in the sunlight. His black hair had streaks of brown highlights, and his dark eyes were framed by long lashes. On his left ear, he had a small wooden earring with dangling white feathers and three light blue beads. He was barefoot, and I noticed a tattoo on his chest, right between his collarbones¡ªa medium size compass design, its arrow pointing north with a small asterisk above it.
There was something cool about him that caught my attention, but at the same time, he was a bit intimidating. He reminded me of a pirate in some strange way. If Beth were here, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be all over him. I don¡¯t want to admit it, but this guy is definitely good-looking.
Are all the men here this gorgeous? Wait, no¡ªdefinitely not, as Jim''s face popped into my mind. I don''t want to judge, but... I guess it''s just a fact. Ugh, I''m the worst. I quickly pushed the thought aside.
He stared at me for a moment, his gaze sharp and assessing, making me feel awkward. Finally, he replied to Granny, ¡°Alright, Grandma,¡± before dashing past me. The fat gray cat trailed after him, its collar jingling softly as it went.
FUDGE~!!!!!
The cat is so cute, especially the way its tail swayed and its little butt wiggled as it ran after its owner. It made me think about how much I¡¯ve always wanted a cat or a dog. But for some reason, we never really considered getting or adopting one.
When I get back home, I¡¯ll definitely talk to Mom and Dad about it. It¡¯s time to make it happen!
I snapped back from mentally hugging and squeezing the adorable, chubby gray cat aggressively as I recalled the words ¡°Alright, Grandma,¡± from that guy¡¯s mouth and Granny¡¯s order: ¡°Help your Dad.¡±
Putting it together, he must be granny¡¯s grandson. Therefore, his the one I could go for my inquiries. A sly grin spread across my face at the thought.
Chapter 15: The Inn
¡°Aren¡¯t you coming in, Aria?¡± Granny Chan asked, her tone warm and inviting.
¡°I¡¯m right behind you, Granny¡± I replied, following her inside.
The interior of the inn was absolutely enchanting. Every detail, from the polished wooden floors to the bamboo-framed windows and doors, exuded rustic elegance. At the heart of the space lay a spacious open courtyard, lush with greenery and alive with the fluttering of tiny birds and colorful butterflies. They seemed to dance, drawn by the natural beauty around them.
Neatly arranged rooms surrounded the central courtyard, their doors left ajar to invite in the gentle, fragrant breeze. Seashell wind chimes hung at each entrance, their delicate tinkling harmonizing with the soft symphony of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.
The entire inn felt like a haven¡ªtranquil, magical, and brimming with a quiet joy. It was a simple yet perfect paradise, an oasis of peace that seemed too exquisite to have been crafted by one person alone.
¡°You can put your boots over there, Aria,¡± Granny Chan said, gesturing toward a wooden shoe rack on the right.
I nodded and placed my boots neatly on the rack.
¡°You¡¯re welcome to pick any room you like,¡± she added with a warm smile. ¡°Make yourself at home. Treat this place as your own. We don¡¯t have many guests, anyway.¡±
¡°Thank you, Granny,¡± I replied, her kindness making me feel instantly at ease.
Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to explore the inn. The right side of the building had six guest rooms, with a kitchen at the very back and a large dining room next to it. The left side mirrored the right, also with six guest rooms, but it included a big communal restroom. At the far end of the hall were three rooms marked ¡°Personal,¡± likely reserved for Granny Chan and her family.
Eighteen rooms in total, including the kitchen, dining area and the restroom¡ªit was almost like a small hotel. If this was the most developed lodging on the island, Cassandra and Gideon should have been here. But they weren¡¯t, which meant they were probably staying in someone¡¯s house or somewhere else entirely.
While walking back, I saw Granny Chan emerging from one of the personal rooms, carrying a box.
¡°Haven¡¯t picked a room yet, Aria?¡± she asked, smiling warmly.
¡°Are all the guest rooms empty, Granny? I haven¡¯t seen any other visitors,¡± I said, thinking back to my little tour.
¡°Yes, dear,¡± she replied with a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s been that way for a while. It¡¯s a pity, really. This place was meant to welcome travelers, but we rarely get any.¡±
I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. Running such a beautiful place with no steady flow of guests must be tough.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Granny Chan must have noticed the concern flicker across my face because she gave me a reassuring smile and said, "Oh, whatever you''re thinking, don''t worry, dear. Just pick whichever room you like and enjoy yourself."
A wave of sadness washed over me. This inn was so beautiful and well-crafted¡ªit deserved recognition, visitors, and the appreciation of more people. But I guess that¡¯s just how it is. Then, realizing I hadn¡¯t even checked how much money I had on me, I hesitated before asking,
¡°How much does it cost to stay here, Granny?¡±
She let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about that,¡± she said kindly. ¡°City money doesn¡¯t mean much here. Just relax and make yourself at home. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ve got a few things to fetch from my room.¡±
¡°Oh,¡± I murmured, nodding as if I understood. But truthfully, her words only made me more curious. If city money didn¡¯t mean much here, then... how did they afford supplies or maintain the inn? What did they even use to buy things?
Granny seemed busy and in a bit of a hurry, likely packing things. She had mentioned earlier that they¡¯d be leaving again soon. After some thought, I chose Room 3 on the right side, a spot with a view of the courtyard. From there, I could see the central greenery, and it was one of the rooms closest to the exit¡ªquiet, comfortable, and relaxing.
I set my bag down on the floor and took in the simplicity of the room. It was spacious enough for two people, with no bed but an open window draped in white lace curtains that fluttered gently in the breeze. There was a large wooden cabinet, a sturdy wooden table with a lamp, and two matching chairs. Simple, functional, and inviting.
The cool breeze wafting in added to the room¡¯s charm. Curious, I opened the cabinet and found a rolled-up futon and two pillows tucked neatly in the upper corner. Satisfied, I closed it and decided to go find Granny Chan to offer any assistance.
When I reached her, I saw she was still busy, bending and packing.
¡°Granny, how should I pay for my stay here?¡± I asked as she straightened up. ¡°I might need to stay a couple of days since I haven¡¯t found any leads on Aunt Marie yet, and I haven¡¯t heard from her either.¡±
Granny stopped what she was doing and turned to me with a smile. ¡°Well, for starters, you can help me with these. Take this to the boat where Bill is waiting. We can sort out the rest later.¡± She bent down and handed me a box.
The box wasn¡¯t very heavy, but I peeked inside and saw neatly folded white clothes¡ªprobably bed sheets for the bunks on the boat.
¡°Okay, Granny,¡± I said, nodding. I followed her instructions and headed outside, box in hand, ready to help.
When I reached the shore, I spotted the orange-haired guy sitting cross-legged on the sand while the little girls played with his hair. The sight made me smile¡ªthey looked absolutely adorable together. It seemed like whoever he was waiting for still hadn¡¯t arrived. Poor guy, the sun was starting to get stronger. They should probably head back soon; the kids might get tired.
I walked past them, stepping into the cool, shallow sea to get to the boat.
As I stepped onto the deck, Charlie¡ªwhom I assumed was Granny Chan''s grandson¡ªapproached with a friendly grin. "Here, let me help you with that," he said. I nodded in thanks, and Charlie headed to the back of the boat while I made my way toward the inn. He kept making rounds, going back and forth with the crates.
When I reached Granny, she handed me another box filled with fabric softeners and cleaning supplies, like dishwashing liquid. Just as I was about to carry it, Charlie reappeared, offering to take it from me. But Granny waved him off, telling him to start preparing lunch instead. He didn''t argue and headed inside to get started.
Granny was with me, also carrying a box as we made our way back to the shore. I noticed that the orange-haired guy was gone. He must have decided to head home, realizing how late it was getting.
Once we finished our tasks, I saw other boats starting to return to their docks for the afternoon. Granny gave Bill a hand signal, and the three of us began walking back toward the inn. Before leaving, Bill double-checked the ropes, anchors, and everything else to make sure the boat was secure.
As we made our way back, Granny and Bill went to their rooms, and I offered to help in the kitchen. Charlie handed me the plates, saying, "The utensils are in the boat. Here are the cups." He smiled. The cups and plates were made of wood, which I found surprisingly impressive, as I wasn¡¯t accustomed to eating from such simple, yet elegant pieces.
I made my way to the dining area and placed the plates and cups on the table. There were no chairs, so I guessed we¡¯d have to squat or sit cross-legged later. Everything was made of wood, giving the space a natural feel. Despite the lack of air conditioning or an electric fan, it wasn¡¯t hot¡ªthere was a cool breeze flowing through the open door and windows. Not long after, Charlie, now in a white t-shirt, joined me and began setting the prepared food on the table.
¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit hot for that jacket?¡± Charlie asked.
I didn¡¯t mind wearing my jacket, but I realized it might get in the way while eating. I smiled at him, not answering, and made my way to my room.
Once there, I removed my jacket and draped it over one of the wooden chairs. Reaching into my bag, I grabbed my phone. The battery had dropped by 3%, and I noticed I had three new messages. I wanted to check them but hesitated, worried about draining the battery further. Maybe I could ask Charlie if he had a charger.
I decided to take the phone with me, but before leaving, I quickly retied my hair.
When I arrived in the dining room, everyone was already seated, and it felt like they were waiting for me to join them before starting. I nodded awkwardly and took the seat next to Charlie, where there was an open spot.
Chapter 16: Its about time
We all said a prayer, thanking for the meal. Just as we were about to dig in, Granny Chan introduced me to her grandson.
¡°Aria, this is my grandson, Charlie. Charlie, would you kindly introduce yourself to this lovely young lady?¡± she asked with a warm smile.
Charlie, sitting straight but relaxed, looked at me and said, ¡°Hi Aria, I¡¯m Charlie Heart, son of Bill and Lily Heart, and grandson of Chan Tzi. I¡¯m currently the caretaker of the inn, and I¡¯m one of the ¡®characters¡¯ of this island.¡± He flashed me a confident smile and extended his right hand for a shake.
I understood most of what he said, but when he mentioned being ¡°one of the characters of the island,¡± I was a bit lost. What did that mean?
All I could do was smile politely, reach for his hand to shake and say, ¡°Aria Greenfield, 17, city girl.¡± I felt awkward, and the words sounded odd even to me.
¡°A city girl?¡± Charlie repeated, smiling in a way that made it seem like he found it interesting. Before I could say anything more, Granny Chan chimed in, saying, ¡°Alright, before we start explaining all that, let¡¯s fill our stomachs, shall we?¡±
Nobody objected, and everyone eagerly began helping themselves to the food. The table was filled with a generous spread: corn, rice, two big grilled fish surrounded by neatly sliced green and red tomatoes, onions, and carrots. Two large bowls of hot, sour fish soup sat at the center, alongside small plates of soy sauce mixed with lemon for the grilled fish. Since there were no utensils, we used our bare hands to eat. But before diving in, there was a basin of water set aside where we could wash our hands, ensuring everything felt fresh and clean.
The meal passed quietly as everyone focused on eating. Afterward, I offered to wash the dishes, and Granny Chan nodded approvingly, calling Charlie over while Bill headed off somewhere. I gathered the plates and noticed Granny and Charlie talking quietly on the side. I couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying, but I had a feeling it was about my situation.
In the kitchen, I got to work scrubbing the dishes. Sky¡ªthe chubby, wandering, freaking, cute cat¡ªstrolled in, tail swishing as if on a mission to find food. A few moments later, I heard Charlie¡¯s voice calling for him from outside, probably ready to feed the little guy. I stayed focused, carefully washing each dish before putting them in the drawer where the plates and cups were kept.
As I exited the kitchen, I ran into Granny Chan, who approached me with her usual calm smile.
¡°Aria, dear, Bill and I will have to leave for a while. I¡¯ve explained your situation to Charlie and instructed him to tell you some things. We¡¯ll be back in three days. Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou can stay here until you find Marie. It would also be nice if I can have a conversation with her again.¡±
¡°Okay, Granny,¡± I replied with a small nod, trying to process everything.
Around 2:30 PM, Charlie and I accompanied Granny Chan and Bill to the shore, where we said our goodbyes and watched them board the boat. We waved until they were out of sight, the boat shrinking into the distance until it disappeared beyond the horizon. All that remained was the steady rhythm of the waves lapping against the shore, filling the quiet that followed.
¡°Well, Aria,¡± Charlie said as we turned back toward the inn, ¡°it looks like you¡¯re in a pretty unique situation.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
There was a casual friendliness in his voice, but I still reminded myself that he was a stranger. His smile was easygoing, though I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was just for show.
¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± he added, motioning toward the path.
And just like that, reality hit me¡ªit¡¯s just the two of us now. Alone in a quiet, spacious inn with no other houses in sight. The thought tugged at the edge of my mind, and I couldn¡¯t help but put my guard up.
As we arrived back at the inn, Charlie asked if I wanted some tea, mentioning he¡¯d try to answer any questions I had. ¡°Tea sounds great,¡± I replied, grateful for something calming.
While waiting, I settled outside my room to enjoy the peaceful courtyard. Sky, the chubby, adorable cat, decided to join me.
I so wanted to hug him and bury my face in his fluffy fur, but I forced myself to stay composed.
¡°Meow,¡± Sky purred softly before plopping onto my lap.
Fudge, the cuteness¡ªit¡¯s too much.
He spotted a butterfly fluttering nearby and attempted to pounce. His chubby body misjudged the timing, though, and he missed, landing clumsily back on my lap. I took a deep breath in and out, trying to keep my cool as I internally squealed at the overload of adorableness.
¡°Do you like cats, Aria?¡± Charlie¡¯s voice broke through my bubble of focus. I hadn¡¯t even noticed him approaching. He was carrying a tray with two cups of tea and a plate of biscuits.
Setting the tray down beside me, he sat cross-legged on the ground with an easy smile.
Goodness, the cat and its owner.
Dear God, guard my heart and don¡¯t let it astray. I already have Jared. Amen. I internally prayed and I sighed, trying to shake the thought away. Where do I even start? I had so many questions swirling in my head that I couldn¡¯t decide which one to ask first.
Charlie handed me a cup of tea, and I accepted it with a quiet ¡°Thanks.¡± Taking a sip, I exhaled softly, appreciating its warmth.
¡°Is it to your liking?¡± Charlie asked, his tone casual but his words feeling like he was setting the mood for an interrogation.
The fact that it was just the two of us in this big, quiet inn made me a little nervous. If anything happened, no one would hear my screams¡ªnot that I was expecting anything, but still. I steeled myself, hoping to sound normal.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s great,¡± I replied, forcing a smile and hoping I sounded relaxed.
Charlie sipped his tea, eyeing me curiously. ¡°You¡¯re a city girl, huh? What¡¯s it like there?¡±
I smiled, a bit relieved at the question. ¡°Noisy, a bit polluted, super busy, but there¡¯s always something fun going on.¡± Then I paused, realizing I might¡¯ve come off as judgmental. ¡°Not that I¡¯m saying this place is boring or anything!¡± I added quickly, stumbling over my words.
Charlie chuckled, clearly amused. ¡°Relax, Aria. I don¡¯t bite,¡± he said with an easy smile.
I blushed, quickly taking another sip of tea to hide my embarrassment. Get it together.
Talking to guys my age wasn¡¯t something I was used to, but I had to push myself. I needed to figure out where Aunt Marie was. Then it hit me¡ªoh right, the charger!
¡°Hey, Charlie,¡± I started, perking up a bit, ¡°do you happen to have an iPhone charger? My phone¡¯s only got, like, three percent battery left, and I¡¯ve got messages I really need to check.¡±
¡°Sure, I¡¯ll check if there¡¯s one. By the way, what kind of charger does your phone need?¡± Charlie asked, standing up and ready to help.
¡°A USB Type-C, please,¡± I replied, trying to sound polite while holding onto hope.
Charlie headed to his room to look for a charger while I waited. Sky, the adorable chubby cat, sauntered off toward its food and water bowl. So that¡¯s why you¡¯re so ridiculously cute, I thought, watching him. Ugh, I forgot to pet him! I internally kicked myself.
A few moments later, Charlie returned and handed me the charger, sitting down beside me. ¡°Here, hope this helps.¡±
¡°Dude, man, Charlie, you¡¯re a lifesaver!¡± I blurted out, thrilled to finally have a charger. The words escaped before I could stop myself. Realizing how overly excited I sounded, I quickly added, ¡°Oh, uh, sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±
I saw Charlie¡¯s shocked face and he started chuckling. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I actually like that. It makes it easier to talk to you. I mean... I¡¯m not really sure how to approach girls from the city.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin.
His honesty caught me off guard, and I realized Charlie must be feeling just as awkward as I was. That thought relaxed me a bit. To ease the tension, I decided to mentally treat this like I was talking to an old friend. That way, my brain could stay calm, and I wouldn¡¯t overthink or let my heart race unnecessarily.
I glanced down at the charger in my hand, suddenly a question popped into my mind. Wait... do they even have electricity here?
Charlie must have read my thoughts. ¡°Oh, we do have electricity,¡± he explained, ¡°but we don¡¯t use it for everything. The lamps run on solar energy, and we also use it for the water system in the restrooms.¡± I was amazed again. Its such an efficient and sustainable setup. Maybe I could suggest this to my parents to help reduce expenses at home.
¡°Excuse me for a bit, Charlie. I¡¯ll go charge my phone,¡± I said, preparing to get up. Before I could, Charlie quickly offered to charge it for me and sat down again. There was a brief moment of silence then I thanked him.
Then I decided to ask, ¡°Do you know my aunt, Marie?¡±
The moment the question left my mouth, I noticed a familiar expression on Charlie¡¯s face¡ªexactly like Granny Chan''s when I had asked about her.
Chapter 17: Answers
¡°I heard from Granny that your father, Mr. Bill, wasn¡¯t always mute¡ªthat his tongue was cut off. And she said it was my aunt who suggested it,¡± I began carefully, pausing to rub the edge of my cup. ¡°Granny said it was for the best, but it¡¯s hard not to feel doubtful.¡±
I glanced at Charlie, who was staring out into the courtyard, his expression unreadable. Gathering my courage, I pressed on. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened, and I apologize if I¡¯m coming off too direct, but I need answers.¡± My voice was steady, but my heart raced.
I took a deep breath before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s been two or three days since I received those strange messages from my aunt. She wasn¡¯t clear, and now I can¡¯t shake the feeling that she¡¯s in trouble. I want to help her, but I need to understand what¡¯s going on first. Please, Charlie¡ªknowing what happened might help me piece together her plans.¡±
I looked him in the eye, firm in my resolve. ¡°I need to know if my aunt is someone I can trust¡ªor if she¡¯s done something terrible. I just want to figure out how I can help, even if it¡¯s not much. I have to do something.¡±
Charlie stayed quiet for a moment, his gaze distant. Sky, the ever-watchful cat, hopped up beside him, as if sensing the tension and silently urging him to speak. Charlie absentmindedly scratched Sky¡¯s head, took a sip from his cup, then picked up a biscuit, nibbling on it before sipping his tea again.
Finally, he broke the silence. ¡°I saw your aunt once, back when I was just a kid,¡± he began, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. He paused, a faint, melancholic smile crossing his face.
¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re too familiar with building rapport before diving into heavy stuff, Aria,¡± he said, teasing lightly but not unkindly. ¡°But I get it. You¡¯re anxious, and honestly, I would be too if I were in your shoes.¡±
He leaned back slightly, exhaling deeply. ¡°I think it¡¯s best if I start by explaining what this island is really about and how things work here. Then, I¡¯ll tell you what happened to my pops and how I lost my mom.¡±
A chill ran down my spine at his words, and I suddenly felt the weight of what I was about to hear. Goosebumps prickled my skin as an uneasy silence settled between us. I glanced at my wristwatch¡ªit was just after 3:15 PM. Something told me this would be a conversation I wouldn¡¯t forget anytime soon.
Charlie sighed and tilted his head back, gazing at the clear blue sky before turning to me. ¡°Hey, how many layers does the Earth have?¡± he asked, his tone calm but deliberate.
I blinked at him, caught off guard. ¡°Charlie, are you serious right now? We¡¯re talking about science now?¡± I raised an eyebrow, a small, incredulous smile playing on my lips.
¡°But I am serious, Aria,¡± he replied evenly, his expression unwavering.
¡°Alright,¡± I said, indulging him with a shrug. ¡°Um... three? No, wait¡ªfour. What does this have to do with the island?¡±
He leaned forward slightly, meeting my gaze, and for a second, I got distracted. I know I said it before, but his eyelashes were captivatingly long and dark, almost giving the impression he was wearing eyeliner¡ªbut no, it was completely natural. That might explain why he gave off such a pirate-like vibe.
¡°You¡¯re right¡ªfour layers. The crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core,¡± he said, picking up another biscuit. He took a bite, then set his cup aside, shifting slightly so he could lean on his left arm for support.
¡°Well,¡± he continued, ¡°imagine those layers as layers of the island. But instead of layers, we call them zones.¡±
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
I watched, using his right hand, he pointed upward and began drawing circles in the air as he explained.
¡°The crust¡ªthe outermost layer of Earth¡ªis what we call the Neutral Zone of the island. That¡¯s where we are now. The mantle, the layer beneath the crust, corresponds to Zone 1. You¡¯ll know you¡¯ve crossed into another zone when you see a clearly marked red boundary line.¡±
He paused, glancing at me to make sure I was following.
¡°The outer core is Zone 2,¡± he said, his tone lowering slightly. ¡°And at the very center lies the inner core, what we call the Playground. Just like Earth¡¯s inner core, it¡¯s at the heart of this island.¡±
¡°The Playground?¡± I echoed, my voice quieter than I intended.
He withdrew his hand from the air, letting it fall to his side, and the silence between us grew heavy. He took a slow sip of his tea before speaking, his voice tinged with something I couldn¡¯t quite place¡ªregret, maybe, or longing.
¡°My mom,¡± he began, his voice softer now, ¡°she was the adventurous type¡ªfierce, courageous, and curious. Always ready for anything.¡± He paused, a faint, almost wistful smile crossing his face. ¡°That was before she fell in love with my pops.¡±
I watched as his expression softened further. ¡°She was from the Neutral Zone, and my pops... he was from Zone 2. The distance between zones is a bit further from each other¡ªon purpose. It¡¯s meant to prevent people from different zones from meeting or interacting.¡±
¡°What?¡± I blurted out, unable to keep my emotions in check. ¡°Why? Is it forbidden to visit other zones?¡±
Charlie nodded slightly. ¡°Yes. Unless you¡¯re a Character,¡± he said, his answer short and matter-of-fact.
I frowned, frustrated at how little that explained. ¡°A Character? What do you mean? You mentioned that when you introduced yourself earlier, and honestly, I didn¡¯t understand it then either.¡±
Charlie leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his hands. ¡°Characters are people like me¡ªassigned specific roles or responsibilities. We¡¯re different from regular residents.¡±
His explanation still left too many gaps for me. ¡°Okay... but what exactly is your role or responsibility?¡± I pressed, determined to understand.
Charlie shifted in his seat and, to my surprise, began tugging at the hem of his shirt. My immediate reaction was, ¡°Whoa, dude, what are you doing? No matter how attractive you are, I don¡¯t swing like that!¡±
Charlie burst out laughing, his deep chuckle echoing through the courtyard. ¡°You¡¯re funny, Aria. That¡¯s good¡ªyou make things lighter. Relax, as I said, I don¡¯t bite.¡± He flashed me a playful smile, adding, ¡°And hey, thanks for finding me attractive.¡±
I froze, feeling my cheeks heat up. ¡°That¡¯s not¡ª¡± I stammered, trying to recover. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that!¡±
He grinned even wider, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction. ¡°Sure, sure. Whatever you say, city girl.¡±
I huffed, crossing my arms, determined not to let him get to me. ¡°Just do what you needed to do.¡±
Still chuckling, Charlie obliged, tugging his shirt off completely to reveal the ink etched across the center of his chest, just below his collarbones.
Out of courtesy, I quickly averted my eyes, clearing my throat and fixing my gaze straight ahead.
¡°Hey, Aria, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m just trying to show you my tattoo,¡± Charlie said, smiling gently. His tone was more serious now, but there was still a lightness to it that eased the awkwardness.
I hesitated before turning back, trying to sound nonchalant. ¡°Alright, but just so we¡¯re clear, I¡¯m only looking because I want to see the tattoo¡ªnot for any other reason. Got that?¡±
Charlie flashed a wide grin. ¡°Yeah, I got you.¡± There was something about his tone that made me blush again, though I tried not to dwell on it.
Focusing on the tattoo, I leaned in slightly to get a better look. It was intricate, cool, and undeniably unique. A design resembling a compass.
¡°What does that tattoo mean? Is it a compass?¡± I asked, my tone filled with curiosity and uncertainty.
Charlie smirked, clearly entertained by my question. ¡°That¡¯s the thing¡ªit¡¯s not actually a compass. Look closer,¡± he said, leaning back slightly as if inviting me to inspect it further.
I squinted, examining the tattoo more carefully. He was right¡ªit wasn¡¯t a traditional compass. The markings resembled directional points but had subtle, meaningful differences. At the top, there was an N, with Z1 where east would usually be, L at the bottom, and Z2 where west should have been. In the center sat a bold P. Above the N was a small asterisk, almost unnoticeable but deliberately placed and a crescent moon behind the P.
I frowned, piecing the details together. ¡°The letters¡ªthey¡¯re the zones, aren¡¯t they?¡± I asked. My eyes flicked back to the asterisk, still puzzled. ¡°But what about this? What¡¯s the asterisk supposed to mean?¡±
¡°What does an asterisk look like to you, Aria?¡± Charlie asked, his voice playful yet challenging, like he was testing my interpretation. I thought for a moment before answering. ¡°It looks like¡ a star?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Charlie said, nodding. ¡°And what do stars usually do? Especially for travelers like you?¡±
I caught onto the hint, the answer clicking in my mind. ¡°Stars guide people. They show direction,¡± I replied, my voice steady.
¡°Exactly,¡± Charlie said with a satisfied smile. ¡°When visitors arrive, I¡¯m the one who guides them through the Neutral Zone. That¡¯s why the asterisk marks the ¡®N¡¯¡ªit represents my role,¡± he explained.
Chapter 18: Continuation
¡°So, you¡¯re like the Neutral Zone¡¯s tour guide?¡± I asked, wanting to be sure I understood.
¡°Pretty much,¡± he replied with a small nod.
My eyes wandered to the crescent moon in his tattoo, and curiosity bubbled up. ¡°The moon... Jim¡¯s tattoo had one too. Do you know him?¡±
Charlie¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Yeah, I know Jim. He makes trips to the city often. He¡¯s a character, like me. I think he lives in Zone 1 or Zone 2. You can always tell someone¡¯s a character by their tattoo. Each one is distinct and symbolizes their role.¡±
¡°So, these tattoos¡ªthey aren¡¯t something you choose? They¡¯re¡ required?¡± I asked, trying to piece it all together.
¡°Right,¡± Charlie confirmed. ¡°They¡¯re not optional. Tattoos are passed down through generations, tied to the system that governs this place. They¡¯re more than marks¡ªthey define who we are and what we¡¯re meant to do.¡±
¡°That means Mr. Bill had one too?¡± I asked, a hint of excitement in my tone.
Charlie¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°No, it was my mom who had the tattoo. I guess I forgot to mention¡ªwhen the bearer of a tattoo dies, it gets passed down to their children.¡±
He grew quiet for a moment, and I hesitated before asking softly, ¡°I see. How¡how did your mom pass?¡±
Charlie''s gaze dropped, his hand gently stroking Sky''s fur as he took a deep breath. "It all started with my mom," he began softly. "She had this daring nature. She snuck my dad out of his zone and brought him here, along with a group of others who wanted a fresh start. Mom and Dad began their life here, and for a while, things seemed good. But when Mom showed others how to leave their zones and relocate, it upset the delicate balance of this island.
I think that¡¯s why, when I was four, it stuck with me¡ªeverything fell apart. I remember fire everywhere in this zone and thick smoke rising in the distance¡ªprobably from Zone 2. Soldiers came, marching through with guns, shooting anyone in their path. That was when I saw your aunt, Aria. My dad was on his knees, held down by two guards. In front of him stood a soldier with a knife, and on the ground nearby... was my mom, lifeless, her body soaked in blood."
Sky suddenly stood up from Charlie''s lap, breaking the moment. Without hesitation, the cat darted toward the kitchen, as if something there had caught his attention. Charlie fell silent, and we both instinctively followed Sky¡¯s movement with our eyes. I looked at Charlie and noticed his gaze fixed on the sky. Curious, I glanced up as well. The sky¡¯s hues were shifting, painted in shades of gold and amber as the sun began its descent¡ªit must have been around 4:30 pm.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
After a long pause, Charlie spoke again, his voice trembling. "A soldier grabbed me and called me ''the woman¡¯s child.'' I could hear my dad begging, tears streaming down his face, pleading for them to spare me." He paused for a moment, then met my gaze, his eyes brimming with emotion.
"Your aunt, Aria¡ªshe told them to cut my dad¡¯s tongue and kill Granny Chan¡¯s husband instead of her. She said they needed her to help my dad raise me¡ªthe next Character. To uphold the rules and preserve the system."
Charlie let out a hollow, mocking laugh, his voice laced with bitterness. "Whatever this so-called system is," he added.
His voice cracked, and I saw the tears he was fighting to hold back. I remained silent, feeling the weight of his words press down on me. I turned my gaze to the sky, letting the stillness of the moment wash over us. There were so many questions I wanted to ask, but I could tell he had shared enough for now.
Trying to ease the tension, I offered a small smile. "How about I help you with cooking?" I suggested, hoping to shift the mood and move away from the painful memories.
Charlie seemed to appreciate the distraction. "That would be great," he said softly, a sad smile tugging at his lips. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "You know, Aria, I don¡¯t really know your aunt, but¡ I don¡¯t think she¡¯s a bad person. I¡¯m actually grateful for what she did. If not for her, I would have lost both my parents that day¡ªand I wouldn¡¯t be here, talking to you."
I stayed quiet, letting his words sink in, my mind reeling from everything he had just shared. The weight of it all settled over me like a heavy blanket. I gave him a small smile and nodded, unsure of what to say next.
Just then, Sky strolled into the room, looking utterly pleased with himself. A fish dangled from his mouth, as if he were proudly presenting his latest catch.
I couldn''t help but chuckle, breaking the somber atmosphere. "Seriously, Sky?" I said, raising an eyebrow as the cat paraded his prize around.
Charlie followed my gaze and his eyes widened. ¡°Oh no, Sky! What have you been up to this time?¡± he said, springing to his feet.
Sky, sensing trouble, darted away as fast as his chubby legs could carry him. Charlie chased after him, and I couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Sky had unintentionally provided a much-needed distraction.
Charlie¡¯s memories, heavy and painful, had clearly left their mark, and it felt like the mischievous cat had lightened the mood just enough to pull him out of his thoughts. I sighed, thinking about everything he must have endured.
To witness something so horrific at such a young age¡ªthat was unimaginable.
Reaching for a biscuit, I took a bite and sipped from my teacup, letting the warmth of the tea settle me. Then, I began gathering the cups and plates put them in the tray, carrying them to the kitchen sink to tidy up.
As I finished washing the dishes and setting them back in place, Charlie walked into the kitchen with a sheepish look on his face. ¡°Hey, Aria, do you think you could help me catch some fish? Turns out Sky ate the last one¡ªour dinner for tonight.¡±
I chuckled. ¡°Sure, I¡¯d love to help. But who¡¯s going to look after the inn while we¡¯re gone?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Charlie replied casually, leading me down the hallway toward the sea. ¡°You¡¯re the only guest we have right now, and besides, we keep a record of everyone living in this zone.¡±
My eyes lit up with curiosity. ¡°Really? Including where they live?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Charlie said with a nod. ¡°If you¡¯re that interested, we could check it out at the library tomorrow.¡±
¡°That would be amazing! It¡¯ll definitely make my search for aunt Marie easier.¡± I smiled but then stopped in my tracks, surprised. ¡°Wait¡ªyou have a library here?¡±
Charlie smirked, ¡°Come on, Aria. Of course we have a library. Did you think just because we¡¯re not from the city, we wouldn¡¯t have books?¡±
I stammered, caught off guard. ¡°Oh, no, no! I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I just¡didn¡¯t expect it.¡± I cleared my throat, feeling slightly embarrassed, then changed the subject. ¡°So, the ¡®L¡¯ in your tattoo¡ªdoes it stand for Library?¡±
Chapter 19: The Catch
¡°Nope,¡± Charlie replied, shaking his head.
¡°Then what does it mean?¡± I asked, intrigued.
Charlie gave me an apologetic smile. ¡°Honestly? I have no idea. That¡¯s the one part of my tattoo I¡¯ve never figured out.¡±
I tilted my head, still curious, but decided to let it go for now. ¡°Okay, fair enough. So¡do you guys have schools here too?¡±
¡°Yeah, we do,¡± Charlie answered. ¡°Every zone has one school, but it¡¯s only mandatory up to high school. None of that college or university stuff you guys have in the city as I¡¯ve heard from grandma.¡±
¡°Interesting,¡± I murmured, my mind drifting as I tried to imagine what life here was like compared to the city.
After a brief pause, I turned to Charlie, again my curiosity piqued. ¡°Can I ask something? Granny Chan and Bill¡they don¡¯t look alike. Are they related?¡±
Charlie¡¯s expression softened, and his voice was quiet as he replied, ¡°No, they¡¯re not related by blood. Granny Chan was from Zone 2 just like dad. She also wanted a fresh start here in the Neutral Zone. After what happened to her, with your aunt and my mom, they started treating each other as family. She became like a mother to Bill, and he became a son to her. And for me, Granny Chan has always been like my real grandmother.¡±
He paused, then added with a faint smile, ¡°You know, family isn¡¯t just about blood. It¡¯s about the people who care for you with love and effort, the ones who have your back, guide you, and shape who you are. That¡¯s what family means to me.¡±
I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I said softly. ¡°Family is about the bonds we create, not just the ones we¡¯re born into.¡±
When we reached the shoreline, Charlie¡¯s gaze swept over the calm, shallow water bordered by clusters of rocks. He nodded toward a spot and said, ¡°Perfect. We¡¯ll set up the trap here.¡±
He explained the plan: we¡¯d build a structure to guide fish into a pool where they¡¯d get stuck. ¡°It¡¯s simple but effective,¡± he added with a grin.
We started gathering rocks, the cool sand shifting beneath our feet as we worked. With each trip, the pile grew, and Charlie began arranging them into a wide ¡°V¡± shape pointing toward the ocean. ¡°This will guide the fish inward,¡± he explained. At the narrowest point of the ¡°V,¡± we constructed a circular pool with taller walls to trap them. We wedged smaller stones into the gaps, making sure the structure was sturdy and escape-proof.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
I checked my watch¡ªit was 5:06 PM. ¡°Do you think this will actually work at this time of day?¡± I asked, glancing at the water.
Charlie smiled, his confidence steady. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The tide¡¯s coming in soon¡ªit¡¯ll work.¡±
The sun dipped lower as we finished the trap, its golden light casting long shadows over the beach. By the time we were done, the tide had begun to creep closer, lapping at the edges of our carefully placed rocks. Charlie dusted his hands off and stood back to admire our creation. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little proud of it too, even as I wondered if the fish would fall for it.
It was my first time making something like this, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a small sense of accomplishment. But we weren¡¯t done yet. Remembering that fish are drawn to food, Charlie told me to scan the beach for bait.
¡°Look over there!¡± I shouted, spotting some crushed shellfish and bits of seaweed washed up by the tide. Carefully, we gathered the bait and scattered it inside the trap pool.
With everything in place, we settled onto the warm sand, watching as the tide crept closer. The waves began to carry small schools of fish toward the shore, their silvery bodies glinting as they swam along the funnel walls. Some, curious or unsuspecting, ventured deeper into the narrowing corridor of our trap.
As the tide reached its peak, the shimmering forms of fish filled the trap pool. We waited patiently, watching the water slowly recede as the tide began to ebb. I found myself enjoying this simple yet rewarding process, the anticipation building with each passing moment.
When the water was shallow enough, Charlie waded into the pool. The fish darted and splashed, their movements quick and erratic, but the sturdy rock walls held firm. Grinning triumphantly, Charlie reached in and began catching them by hand. I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I watched him, his excitement infectious.
With our catch secured, we headed back to the inn, where Sky greeted us at the entrance, his tail flicking cutely.
Charlie crouched down and said to the mischievous cat, ¡°No more fish for you, Sky. We need to work on your diet, buddy.¡±
¡°Meow,¡± Sky responded, his tone almost indignant, as if he understood but wasn¡¯t happy about it. I couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the adorable exchange.
Later that evening, as the stars spread across the night sky, Charlie cooked the fish over a small fire. I busied myself setting the table, arranging plates and cups as the aroma of freshly grilled fish filled the air. When everything was ready, we sat down to savor the fruits of our labor.
As we ate, I turned to Charlie, another question lingering in my mind. ¡°Charlie, is Granny a Character?¡± I asked curiously, breaking the comfortable silence.
¡°Yeah, she is,¡± Charlie said with a nod, not breaking stride as he ate.
¡°Really? Then doesn¡¯t Granny have any kids?¡± I asked, leaning in slightly, my curiosity starting again.
¡°No, she doesn¡¯t,¡± Charlie replied, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°She couldn¡¯t have any.¡±
I tilted my head, intrigued. ¡°I wonder what kind of tattoo Granny Chan has,¡± I said, more to myself than to him.
Charlie glanced up, a small smile on his face. ¡°Hers is on her ankle¡ªa crescent moon with a fisherman holding a lamp. It¡¯s simple but meaningful. I like it,¡± he said before reaching for his cup and taking a long sip.
I nibbled on a piece of fish, thinking aloud. ¡°So, she takes care of the boat and guides visitors safely to the island? Is that her role?¡±
Charlie nodded. ¡°Exactly. But it¡¯s not just visitors she helps. You see, we classify outsiders¡ªforeigners like you¡ªinto three categories. First, there are Guests. They¡¯re like VIPs, and trust me, you don¡¯t want to cross them. Next, we have Visitors. They¡¯re only allowed in Zones 1 and 2. Guests, on the other hand, can go as far as the Playground. Lastly, there are Trespassers.¡±
He paused, looking at me meaningfully. ¡°That¡¯s you, Aria. You¡¯re a Trespasser.¡±
Chapter 20: Phone
The word hit me like a cold gust of wind, but I stayed quiet, waiting for him to continue.
Charlie leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping. ¡°Aria, you can¡¯t let anyone on this island know you¡¯re a Trespasser. It¡¯s serious¡ªdead serious. But because Granny brought you here, I¡¯ve kept quiet. That¡¯s the only reason.¡±
His smile followed, but I couldn¡¯t read it. Was it teasing? A warning? Something in between? My unease grew, and I forced a small, awkward smile in return, taking a slow sip from my cup to cover my nervousness.
Charlie didn¡¯t say what happened to Trespassers, but the weight in his tone told me enough. It wasn¡¯t good. I swallowed hard, silently vowing to keep my head down and my identity a secret.
¡°Charlie, what¡¯s with the crescent moon? Why is it always part of the tattoos?¡± I asked curiously.
Charlie, mid-bite, gestured toward me with his right hand, signaling me to wait as he chewed and swallowed his food. He washed it down with a sip from his cup before answering. ¡°That¡¯s a good question. I¡¯ve got a theory,¡± he said, leaning back slightly. ¡°I think the crescent moon is tied to the ones who govern this island¡ªlike it¡¯s their symbol or something. Maybe they¡¯re a cult.¡±
¡°A theory?¡± I repeated, smiling. ¡°So, you¡¯re not sure? You don¡¯t actually know?¡±
¡°At least I have an idea,¡± Charlie shot back with a playful wink, grinning as he returned to his meal.
We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, but my mind was still buzzing with thoughts. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out a question that hadn¡¯t fully formed in my head. ¡°Hey, Charlie, you said Characters can move from zone to zone, right? So, why haven¡¯t you gone to other zones?¡±
The words hung in the air, and I instantly regretted them. Charlie froze for a fraction of a second, then slowly finished chewing. Sky, sensing the shift, meowed softly, almost like a warning.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Charlie put his fork down, his voice quieter when he finally answered. ¡°After everything I went through that day,¡± he said, staring at the table, ¡°I¡¯ve never had the courage to be like my mom, Aria.¡±
It hit me like a slap then guilt flooded me. What was I thinking, asking something so insensitive? Of course, he wouldn¡¯t want to explore other zones¡ªnot after what he¡¯d been through. The trauma he carried was probably tied to every corner of this island. I internally berated myself. Why couldn¡¯t I just think before speaking? Nice going, Aria.
I nodded quickly, hoping he¡¯d see the apology in my expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Charlie,¡± I murmured, but I could already feel the awkwardness settling between us.
Charlie gave me a small, forgiving smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said gently. ¡°You didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡± He picked up his cup and took a long sip, signaling the conversation was over.
I stayed quiet, trying not to make things more awkward. Sky jumped up onto the table, his tail swishing as if to distract us from the heaviness in the room. Charlie smiled at the cat and stood, gathering his plate.
¡°You should get some rest,¡± he said, his tone lightening. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day.¡±
I wanted to protest, to offer to help clean up as a way of redeeming myself, but Charlie gently declined. ¡°Go on. You¡¯ll need your energy,¡± he insisted.
Reluctantly and with a small nod, I stood and offered a small ¡°goodnight.¡± He smiled softly in return, and I made my way to my room, Sky trailing behind me briefly before veering off elsewhere
As I walked to my room, I couldn¡¯t help but replay the conversation in my mind. Sometimes I really need to think before I speak, I thought, shaking my head at myself.
Determined to shake off the lingering embarrassment, I moved across the room to the cabinet and pulled out the futon and pillows. The soft glow from the solar light outside filtered into the room, allowing me to see clearly without straining. As I laid out the futon, arranged the pillows and the blanket, the simple, repetitive motions gave me a welcome distraction. The act of smoothing out the fabric and setting up my sleeping area helped calm my mind, letting me focus on the present instead of replaying my earlier awkwardness.
Then it hit me¡ªI hadn¡¯t checked my phone yet. I¡¯d charged it earlier, so it should be good to go now. My heart quickened at the thought. Maybe there would be a message from Aunt Marie.
I walked through the quiet inn, heading to the dining room to retrieve my phone. The warm, golden glow of the lights illuminated the courtyard, hallways, and even the vacant rooms, casting everything in a cozy, inviting hue. This place really was beautifully crafted¡ªsimple yet full of charm.
As I made my way, the sounds of the night drifted in through the open windows. The rhythmic chirping of crickets mixed with the occasional croak of a frog, creating a serene backdrop.
As I reached the dining room, I spotted my phone on the table, where I left it. I picked it up, pressing the screen to bring it to life. The bright light flickered for a moment, and I couldn¡¯t help but hope¡ªhope for a message, any kind of update from Aunt Marie or anyone who might offer some reassurance. My fingers hovered over the screen as I waited, feeling a brief flutter of anticipation.
Chapter 21: Library
When I unlocked my phone, three new messages greeted me on the screen. Deciding to return to my room for some privacy, I grabbed the device and made my way back. Once inside, I settled under the blanket, snuggling into its warmth as I lay on the futon. Taking a deep breath, I opened the first message¡ªit was from Beth.
Beth:
¡°Aria, girl, how are you? Have you arrived on the island yet? Volleyball practice was so tiring¡ªCoach really pushed us hard on the first day of summer practice. I swear he¡¯s taking revenge on us! ?? Don¡¯t forget to take a picture of the island, okay? You promised! Oh, and hey, have you met your aunt yet?¡±
I smiled at her familiar, bubbly tone. Volleyball practice. Right. Beth always found a way to turn even the toughest days into something funny. Her message reminded me of my promise to send her photos¡ªand of how much I really needed to find Aunt Marie.
I moved on to the next message, which was from Dad.
Dad:
"Yes, my business trip is going well. Your brother is here with me; you must have heard the news from your mom. I¡¯m planning to spend some quality time with him. Do you think he¡¯d prefer breakfast at a restaurant, at the hotel, or maybe with his friends? And love you, daughter. Dad."
A soft laugh escaped me. Dad¡¯s messages always carried this mix of formality and warmth. I could tell he was making an effort to bond with my brother, and it warmed my heart. At the same time, I couldn¡¯t help feeling a little jealous¡ªthis was the first time he¡¯d written a slightly longer message to me. I¡¯d love to spend time with him, too. Maybe when this whole island trip is over, I¡¯ll get the chance to have some one-on-one time with him. For now, I was just glad to see him making the effort.
The third message was from my brother:
Brother:
"What?! You¡¯re serious? That¡¯s unbelievable, Aria. So tell me more¡ªhave you pieced together all the clues Aunt Marie gave you? And what about the villagers? Hey, don¡¯t leave me hanging! Also, just be careful, alright? Oh, and guess what? I met this really nice, hot girl here. But... I¡¯m kind of worried she might be, ugh, supernatural¡ªlike a ghost or something. I¡¯ll tell you all about it when we¡¯re back home."
I blinked at the message, unsure whether to laugh or roll my eyes. Supernatural? Really? And why couldn¡¯t he just tell me now? Was he teasing me or being serious? Either way, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder when would be the soonest chance to go home after meeting auntie.
A twinge of disappointment struck me when I realized there were no messages from Aunt Marie¡ªor even from Mom. It wasn¡¯t like Mom. Why hadn¡¯t she replied? I hoped everything was okay at home. Now that I think about it, she¡¯s the only one there while the rest of us are away. Maybe she¡¯s just busy managing the restaurant.
Before falling asleep, I quickly composed replies. I updated my brother about my discoveries¡ªthe villagers¡¯ tattoos, what I¡¯d learned about Aunt Marie so far, and the story behind Mr. Bill¡¯s tongue. Maybe his sharper mind could help me connect the dots.
Morning came, and I woke to the sensation of something warm and rough on my hand. Opening my eyes groggily, I found Sky¡ªenthusiastically licking me. He must¡¯ve let himself in through the window.
Smiling at his boldness, I decided this was my chance to pet him. Moving slowly so I wouldn¡¯t scare him off, I sat up and carefully reached out to pat his head. As my hand met his soft fur, I exhaled deeply to keep my excitement in check. He purred contentedly, and I felt triumphant.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Charlie¡¯s voice. ¡°Aria, breakfast is ready in the dining room.¡± With a final pat for Sky, I stretched, ready to start the day.
Hearing Charlie¡¯s voice, I quickly replied, ¡°Coming!¡± Determined not to keep him waiting, I tidied up my room, folding the futon and returning the blanket and pillows to the cabinet. A glance at my watch told me it was already 7:30 a.m.¡ªlater than I usually started my day.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
I rummaged through my bag, grabbing fresh clothes, my favorite red jacket, underwear, and soap, deciding to freshen up before heading to breakfast. After a quick but refreshing wash, I felt more awake and ready to face the day.
When I arrived at the dining room, Charlie was waiting at the table, a warm smile lighting up his face.
I asked, slightly surprised, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you eaten yet? Were you waiting for me?¡±
Charlie shrugged casually, but his smile softened. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s too lonely to eat alone, you know.¡±
His words made me pause. I doubted he truly felt lonely, but considering Granny Chan and Mr. Bill were often out at sea, it must¡¯ve usually been just him and Sky here. Maybe some days he did feel lonely, or perhaps he was just trying to make me feel at ease. Either way, what he was doing was a kind gesture. I returned his smile. ¡°Thanks, Charlie.¡±
As we ate, the atmosphere felt light and comfortable. Even Sky joined us, enjoying his breakfast with contented little purrs. After the meal, I insisted on washing the dishes to show my gratitude. Charlie didn¡¯t argue, simply giving me an approving nod.
¡°Thanks for breakfast,¡± I said, rolling up my sleeves.
¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Charlie replied, his tone as easygoing as ever. This place, despite its mysteries, was making my stay enjoyable so far.
After breakfast, Charlie suggested we head out, and I immediately remembered the library he¡¯d mentioned¡ªthe one with the records of the residents and their houses. Excited, I asked him to guide me there.
¡°Sure,¡± Charlie agreed with a grin. ¡°You seemed pretty eager about it last night. Let¡¯s head over. We might even run into some of my friends. I¡¯ll introduce you¡ªit¡¯ll make searching for your aunt faster. Plus, as they say, the more, the merrier, right?¡±
I nodded enthusiastically and followed him out of the inn. As we stepped outside, a thought struck me, and I asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you need to lock the doors?¡±
Charlie shook his head casually. ¡°Nah, no need. There¡¯s nothing of real value inside.¡±
That made me pause. I thought about my bag but quickly dismissed the worry. It wasn¡¯t like I had anything worth stealing either. Still, the idea of leaving everything so open felt strange to me¡ªanother reminder of how different life on this island was.
As we walked toward the library, I noticed the guy with orange-tinged hair and his distinctive red necklace. For some reason, seeing him made my cheeks flush slightly. Unlike before, he was alone¡ªthere were no little girls following him around. His expression was distant, and he seemed to be in a bad mood as he headed toward the seashore. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what might have happened.
Charlie and I continued walking, eventually entering the village where the library was located. The village had a rustic charm, with all the houses made from bamboo, coconut wood, and other types of timber I couldn¡¯t identify. The air buzzed with life and activity. Children laughed and played in the open spaces, women chatted in groups or went about their chores, while men engaged in trading, business, or occasionally gambling games.
The village felt vibrant yet peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of the city. Here, life seemed simpler, more grounded. The fresh air carried the scent of the sea and the earth, unspoiled by exhaust fumes or industrial sounds. The houses were spaced apart, each with its own patch of land, unlike the tightly packed buildings that defined urban life.
I took a deep breath, letting the freshness of the air fill my lungs, and marveled at the sense of contentment that seemed to radiate from the villagers. It was a kind of serenity you could never find amidst the relentless pace and noise of the city.
As we walked past the villagers, some people glanced my way with curiosity, while others seemed too preoccupied to notice.
When we reached the library, I was taken aback¡ªit was much larger than I¡¯d expected. The three-story building, made of wood, was surrounded by well-maintained trees, colorful flowers, and neatly trimmed bushes, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. In the center were benches and with white flowers, making it feel like the perfect place for learning and reflection.
¡°Wow, Charlie,¡± I said, marveling at the structure. ¡°You all have such a beautiful library. Wait¡ this is a library, right? Not some kind of community hall?¡± My mouth hung open in awe.
Charlie chuckled at my reaction and nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just a library,¡± he reassured me. ¡°Since we don¡¯t rely on computers or other gadgets here, we¡¯ve made it a point to collect and preserve all kinds of books for people to read and learn from.¡±
I couldn¡¯t hide my amazement. ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± I said, taking it all in. The place felt like something out of a fantasy world¡ªa mix of timeless charm and simplicity, as if it existed in an era untouched by industrialization, yet still modern in its own unique way.
¡°Hey, Charlie, can I take a picture of this place? I just want to show it to my best friend back home,¡± I asked, holding up my phone.
Charlie paused, looking at me thoughtfully for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aria, but it¡¯s not allowed to take any photos of anything on the island. The only place you¡¯re allowed to take pictures is at the seashore,¡± he said firmly.
¡°Seriously, Charlie? That¡¯s so strict,¡± I replied, trying to process the unusual rule.
¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Charlie admitted with a shrug. ¡°But that¡¯s just how it is here. People might report you if they see you breaking the rule. Since we were kids, we¡¯ve been taught about the island¡¯s laws¡ªespecially the ones with serious consequences. You know, the grave offenses, the ones punishable by death or... torture,¡± he said, his tone surprisingly casual for such a grim topic.
Chapter 22: R.I.s and Erasers (part1)
¡°Wait, torture? What do you mean?¡± I asked, my voice quieter now, the gravity of his words sinking in.
Charlie sighed. ¡°Not like you¡¯d be tortured yourself. They go after the people you care about, making you watch. It¡¯s their way of ensuring you¡¯ll never forget the lesson,¡± he explained. His voice was calm, but the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable as he turned to face me fully.
¡°That¡¯s why, Aria,¡± he continued softly, ¡°I¡¯m asking you to be really careful. If you mess up, it won¡¯t just be you who faces the consequences¡ªit¡¯ll be Granny, Pops, and me too.¡± His lips curved into a faint, sad smile before he turned and stepped into the library hall.
I stood there for a moment, watching him go. As much as Charlie seemed kind and easygoing, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that my presence here was weighing on him. Maybe he was just doing what Granny Chan wanted, but deep down, he didn¡¯t want me here? Or am I just overthinking everything?
But then again, if Charlie didn¡¯t want me here, he wouldn¡¯t be so kind¡ªaccompanying me to the library, serving me breakfast, and being friendly. I brushed aside my doubts, deciding I was just overthinking things.
I followed him into the library and noticed him chatting briefly with a female clerk. After their exchange, he returned to me with a small smile.
¡°Miss Ivy says the records are located at the back of the hall, on the last set of shelves,¡± Charlie informed me.
I nodded in acknowledgment, and as we began walking deeper into the library, I took in my surroundings. Young and old alike were scattered throughout the space, all engrossed in books. Their focus and dedication impressed me.
It struck me how different life here was compared to the city. Back home, people like me often preferred sports or gadgets over books. But here, without the distractions of modern technology, it seemed books had become the primary gateway to knowledge and exploration. People here likely spent more time tapping into their creativity and making the most of their available resources, unburdened by reliance on gadgets.
Watching these diligent readers made me feel a bit out of place, even intimidated. I couldn¡¯t help but think they were all smarter than me. Kyle, though¡ªhe¡¯d love this place. I could already picture him by the window, engrossed in a book, completely at peace.
This library felt like a glimpse into a bygone era, before the world became saturated with technology. It was refreshing and fascinating, and I couldn¡¯t help but wish I could capture this moment¡ªa photo to share with my loved ones back home. I wanted them to see how amazing this experience was and how much it was opening my eyes to a different way of life.
We walked past rows of bookshelves, some towering and others neatly arranged, their contents hinting at the sheer volume of knowledge stored here. The library spanned three floors, and I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at its size.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
¡°Charlie, what kind of books are usually found here? I¡¯m curious,¡± I asked eagerly, my eyes scanning the shelves. The atmosphere of the place was motivating me to read something¡ªanything¡ªthat caught my interest. Normally, I wasn¡¯t much of a reader, but seeing everyone so engrossed in their books was inspiring.
Charlie glanced at me with a smile. ¡°Oh, we have a bit of everything: astronomy, engineering, various branches of science like psychology and biology, philosophy, languages, history, mathematics, and even pseudo-sciences like astrology and black magic. Of course, there are also storybooks in different genres, magazines, newspapers, and¡±¡ªhe chuckled¡ª¡°manga.¡±
¡°That¡¯s impressive!¡± I exclaimed, genuinely amazed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d have such a variety. How do you even get all these books?¡±
¡°Through business and trade,¡± he explained. ¡°As I mentioned before, we don¡¯t use city money here. Instead, we operate on a barter system.¡±
¡°What? A barter system? That still works?¡± I asked, incredulous. ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair to exchange something valuable for something less valuable?¡±
Charlie smiled thoughtfully. ¡°From my perspective, your monetary system¡ªthe fiat money system¡ªis far more complicated than ours. And honestly, it seems like it creates a lot of conflict, especially when it comes to social class. Here, we don¡¯t experience financial crises or deal with corrupt governments like the ones Granny Chan has told me about.¡±
His words gave me pause. It was intriguing to hear such a straightforward critique of the monetary system I¡¯d grown up with. The simplicity of life here was beginning to feel less like a limitation and more like a conscious choice.
I felt my brain spinning as Charlie explained. He sounded so confident and knowledgeable, and here I was, struggling to keep up. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little dumb in comparison.
¡°Uh, I don¡¯t quite get it, Charlie,¡± I admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of my head. ¡°Could you, um, maybe elaborate?¡±
Charlie stopped walking and turned to face me, his expression unreadable. His sudden seriousness made me feel like I was being silently judged.
¡°Are you sure you want a lecture?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.
¡°Well,¡± I began, trying to sound more confident than I felt, ¡°I¡¯m going to be staying on this island for a while, so I guess it¡¯s better to start learning the basics, right?¡±
¡°Fair enough,¡± he said, his tone softening. ¡°Alright, there are four main types of monetary systems. First, there¡¯s the Commodity Money System, which uses physical goods like gold or silver as currency¡ªlike in ancient times. Second, there¡¯s the Fiat Money System, where money has value because the government declares it legal tender¡ªyour dollars, euros, and so on. That¡¯s the system you city folks use, and we call it ¡®city money¡¯ here. Third, there¡¯s the Barter System, where goods and services are exchanged directly without any money involved. And finally, there are Digital and Cryptocurrencies, which are modern systems that use digital tokens or blockchain technology, like Bitcoin and Ethereum.¡±
Wow, Charlie must secretly be an avid reader, I thought to myself. I mean, he even knows about Bitcoin! He¡¯s surprisingly up-to-date. I don¡¯t know much about it myself, but I¡¯ve heard some students at school talk about it before.
He paused, looking at me with an expression that seemed to ask, ¡°Are you still with me?¡± I nodded quickly, trying not to betray how hard I was focusing to keep up.
¡°Mind if we sit for a bit?¡± Charlie asked, gesturing to a pair of nearby wooden chairs. ¡°This might take a while.¡±
¡°No problem,¡± I replied, settling into the chair.
¡°Alright, let¡¯s start with a quick review,¡± Charlie said, flashing a sly grin. ¡°Can you explain the Barter System and Fiat Money System to me, Aria?¡±
¡°Oh, come on, Charlie, now you¡¯re just teasing me!¡± I protested, half-laughing.
¡°I¡¯m just making sure you¡¯ve got it straight,¡± he replied with a playful shrug. ¡°Better to clear it up now than have to go over it again later.¡±
¡°You¡¯re totally looking down on me, aren¡¯t you?¡± I shot back, narrowing my eyes at him.
¡°Not at all!¡± he said, chuckling. ¡°Don¡¯t think like that.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± I relented, rolling my eyes but unable to hide my smile. "Barter is, um, the exchange of goods and services directly between parties without the use of money, and Fiat Money is... printed paper given value because the government declares it so. Right?¡±
I tried to sound confident, even though I wasn¡¯t entirely sure of my answer. Charlie¡¯s grin widened, and I felt a mix of pride and relief, hoping I¡¯d gotten it mostly right¡ªor at least close enough.
¡°Yep, you¡¯ve got your own way of explaining it, but that¡¯s about right,¡± Charlie said with a grin before continuing. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, Aria: the island doesn¡¯t have a government. There¡¯s no president or any officials like what you¡¯re used to in the city. However, we do have authorities called the Rule Implementors, or sometimes we just call them R.I.s, and the Erasers.¡±
¡°Wait, what are those?¡± I asked, intrigued.
Chapter 23: RIs and Erasers (part2)
¡°Hmmm... they¡¯re sort of like police officers, but not entirely,¡± Charlie replied with a casual tone. My frown must have shown my dissatisfaction because he quickly added, ¡°Alright, let me explain. RIs¡ªRule Implementors¡ªare the closest equivalent we have to police. You know how police are responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and protecting citizens and property, right?¡±
I nodded, waiting for him to continue.
¡°Well, strip away the parts about protecting citizens and property or preventing crime, and that¡¯s essentially what the Rule Implementors do,¡± Charlie said with a shrug.
¡°So, they¡¯re focused strictly on enforcing rules, not on the welfare of the residents?¡± I asked, trying to clarify.
¡°You could put it that way,¡± Charlie admitted.
¡°So... if someone here committed a crime, like murder, and there wasn¡¯t a rule against it, the RIs wouldn¡¯t intervene?¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± he confirmed. ¡°If the action isn¡¯t explicitly stated as punishable in the rules, the RIs won¡¯t step in. They stick strictly to their job descriptions.¡±
I raised an eyebrow at this revelation. ¡°That seems... risky. What keeps things from spiraling into chaos?¡±
Charlie smiled gently and gestured around us. ¡°Aria, the rules here aren¡¯t designed to punish people¡ªthey¡¯re meant to maintain balance and order. Since we don¡¯t have a formal government, decisions for the community are made collectively through discussions and agreements. With a small population like ours, everyone¡¯s voice carries weight.¡±
¡°Is that really enough?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°How do you preserve balance and prevent chaos if the RIs don¡¯t actively stop crime?¡±
¡°I get your point,¡± Charlie said, nodding. ¡°But it all comes down to understanding the root causes of misbehavior¡ªthings like greed, theft, or even murder, whether intentional or not. Here, people are taught from an early age about these behaviors and the psychological or environmental factors that influence them. Our small population, barter system, and the rules set by the Rule Makers help shape a community where simplicity and shared values guide our actions. Because life here is less complicated, people don¡¯t tend to engage in petty crimes. It creates a natural sense of balance and order.¡±
¡°So, you¡¯re saying nobody here does anything wrong?¡± I asked, pressing the issue.
Charlie laughed softly. ¡°Oh, Aria, of course people make mistakes! You¡¯re funny. As Seneca said, ¡®To err is human.¡¯ Mistakes happen¡ªit¡¯s part of life. But here, what sets us apart is that we focus on growing as a community. No one¡¯s perfect, and we don¡¯t pretend to be. What¡¯s important is how we learn from our mistakes and try to do better. Ultimately, it¡¯s up to each person to take responsibility for their actions. By thinking simply and living simply, people here are unlikely to engage in detrimental behavior.¡±
I watched him as he spoke, his calm confidence and thoughtful demeanor drawing me in. For a moment, I found myself admiring him, feeling my cheeks flush. His words resonated more than I expected. He seemed so composed, so... grounded. Somehow, Charlie felt dangerous¡ªbad for my heart. Realizing I was staring too much, I quickly shook my head, pushing those thoughts aside. Then, uncertainly, I decided to ask, "By ''thinking and living simply,'' you mean people here don¡¯t dream of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, or even more?"
"Look around you, Aria," Charlie said with a smile. "Everyone here could become a doctor, teacher, engineer, or even a witch or wizard if they wanted to. Knowledge is free, and you can see that here in the library. I¡¯m not saying people here don¡¯t have aspirations, but they are happy with their way of life."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"But don¡¯t they want more than just this simple life? Aren¡¯t they curious about the world beyond the island?" I asked, pushing a bit further.
Charlie took a moment before answering thoughtfully. "I understand what you''re getting at. But what could they possibly want that they can¡¯t create right here? Sure, we don¡¯t have the same technology or skyscrapers as the city, but I can assure you, people here can do everything you can in the city¡ªjust in a more peaceful, straightforward way. I don¡¯t think they feel lacking in any way. It¡¯s a different kind of life, but it¡¯s just as fulfilling."
Charlie¡¯s smile had a playful hint, but I couldn¡¯t help but agree. The people here seemed genuinely content with their lives, and perhaps that simplicity was all they really needed.
"So they¡¯re not curious about the city or what¡¯s beyond the island? Aren¡¯t you curious?" I asked, pressing a little more.
Charlie smiled and shook his head. "About the city? No, not really. And most people here would probably say the same. We hear updates and news from there, but we don¡¯t envy the city life. We compare it to how we live here, and to be honest, it¡¯s better here than there. We also make comparisons to understand our differences and to improve our ways, satisfying curiosity but not longing for what they have. We do want to explore the world, but more for adventure than for relocating. But that requires special permission from the rule makers. We¡¯re not allowed to travel freely because the rule makers want to keep the island as secret as possible. And we the islanders agree with it. That¡¯s why only invited guests and visitors are allowed here."
"Why keep the island a secret?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.
"The Rule Makers believe the island is like an oasis, a paradise. If it were discovered, its resources would be exploited, and the delicate balance here could be disrupted or even destroyed," Charlie explained. His reasoning made sense to me.
"Hey, Charlie, aren¡¯t these rule makers like a government? I mean, they make the rules," I said, trying to get a clearer understanding.
Charlie paused before responding, his tone growing serious. "No, Aria, they¡¯re not like a government. A government is an organized system or institution with the authority to manage a country, state, or community. It creates laws, enforces them, provides public services, manages resources, and protects citizens'' rights. Governments are responsible for maintaining order, ensuring safety, and promoting the welfare of people. The rule makers here create the laws, but they don¡¯t provide public services or manage resources. The residents are responsible for themselves in that regard. The rules here are fixed and unchanging¡ªno new rules are created. If someone breaks the rules, the RIs step in to take action."
Charlie¡¯s explanation clarified things further. There was indeed a clear difference between the role of the rule makers here and a typical government.
Charlie disrupt my thoughts by saying, ¡°Shared values and mutual respect are essential for all of this to happen, for this system to function properly.¡± I nodded in agreement, absorbing the information.
I took a moment to process that, then asked, ¡°What about resource management?¡±
Charlie answered, ¡°Shared resources like forests, water, and fish are carefully managed to ensure they¡¯re not overused. This balance is maintained through informal agreements and traditional practices passed down over generations. Thankfully, overuse isn¡¯t a problem here, given our small population. Most people have their own gardens and farms where they grow crops and raise animals. So, there¡¯s really no competition or conflict over resources.¡±
I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the simplicity and elegance of it all. The system here was so different from the structured, rule-heavy life I was accustomed to in the city, yet it seemed to function effortlessly here. Perhaps it was the small population, combined with everyone¡¯s deep understanding of the consequences of their actions and the rules they lived by.
What Charlie had explained was a fascinating concept, though it left me with even more questions about how such a system truly worked. Still, the idea of a community built on mutual trust and collective agreement felt both refreshing and, at the same time, unnervingly fragile.
Moments later, I decided to ask, "Charlie, speaking of rules, what are some important ones I should know to avoid breaking them?"
Charlie¡¯s expression turned serious. "There are a few basic rules you should keep in mind as a foreigner here. First, according to your classification, you''re only allowed to stay and roam within designated zones. In other words, never cross the red boundary line. Second, you must register or identify yourself with the designated person for registration¡ª that would be Ms. Ivy, the clerk you met earlier. Third, never harm any of the islanders, as you are an outsider. Fourth, if any islander harms you, report it to the registration office or any Rule Implementor (RI). Fifth, never take anything that belongs to the island or the islanders. And sixth, you cannot extend your stay beyond the allotted time. If you encounter any issues with transportation, be sure to report it to the registrar."
Charlie leaned in, gesturing for me to do the same, which I complied with. He then said, "Since you''re considered a trespasser, Aria, you only need to follow rules 1, 3, 5, and 6."
Charlie then sat back in his usual position, and I stared at him, processing what he said. After a moment, I asked, "So, if I follow those rules and keep my status as a trespasser a secret, I¡¯ll have a better chance of not breaking any rules¡ªand a higher chance of surviving here on the island?"
Charlie nodded, his hands steepled in front of him, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. I felt a flicker of nervousness creeping in as I watched him, unsure of what to expect next.
But I didn¡¯t let the nervousness hold me back and I return to my usual position. I steadied myself and asked, ¡°What are the Erasers? You mentioned them earlier.¡±