My mind is so wrapped up with the conflicting feeling of departure that I forget that it's my birthday.
When I opened the door, I saw children and seniors preparing for a feast right in front of my yard. It's a tradition, and although I knew that the seniors hate me, they still came.
Now that I think about it, this event is more like a farewell party. For the last time, I'll be able to hear everyone's laughs and voices. If only Raquel was here-
I stopped. There must be a god. Raquel is there, on the corner, preparing a delicious dish together with the children.
I instantly approach her.
I wanted to hold her tight.
I wanted to tell her that this will be the last time we'll be seeing each other and that he needs to be stronger while I'm away. I wanted to assure her that I'll definitely go back once I'm done exploring and studying the outside.
But I can't do any of those. I'm hopeless. I'm a jerk.
"Ah, Nabi. What's wrong? You're staring for too long. Do I have dirt on my face?"
I shake my head.
"You're beautiful." I smiled warmly while looking at her reddening face.
She must be surprised for that's the first time I told her that.
"Ha-Ha-Ha, is that your way of apologizing?" She joked in an awkward voice. "Very well, I accept your apology."
"You can take it that way too."
Before I knew it, our conversation got deeper. We talk about the past, our stupid dreams when we're young, and even our wishes in the future.
"If the civilization didn't collapse, we might still be able to see a flying vehicle."
Of course, Raquel doesn't have an idea that it didn't collapse.
"I wanted to see it too." I answered sincerely.
Soon.
That's what I thought on the back of my head.
"Raquel, can you deliver this food on your grandma Martha? She said her knees are aching and that she can't come here to celebrate. We should send her some foods from the feast."
Hoping to speak with her longer, I volunteer to accompany Raquel to Grandma Martha's house. She's a kind elder living near the shore. It might not be a bad idea to say goodbye to her before departing.
Since I don't plan on going back, I brought my bow and arrows with me. I don't need to pack my things. It'll only raise suspicious, especially to the chief that's drinking beside the front door with his older pals.
"Are you going to the mountain on your birthday?" As usual, Raquel is perceptive.
"If I won't leave, they'll only pressure me about Adji."
I had noticed it before. I always become a better liar when put in a tough situation.
"Well, I guess that's true too." Raquel giggled.
It didn't take that long until we arrived at our destination.
Still, I don't want to leave. Can I delay it any further?
I watch the sun.
It's farewell time.
I have to go or I'll be staying here forever.
"Don't go." Raquel blurted out of nowhere.
I was surprised. Does she know?
"Hahahahaha. I always have this weird feeling that you'll jump out from that cliff at any moment and swim to the other side. You'll die if you do that."
"E- Even if I do that, I'll die out of exhaustion." I stumbled.
"Even if you do, still don't."
"Well, even if you knew the reasons, I doubt you'll still stay here."
I definitely heard her say that, but since I'm too flustered with what she first said, I ignored it and just thought of it as a joke. I'm not only usually like this but my impatience has got into me. If only I paid attention to that one word, a nightmare I'll remember for the rest of my life will never happen.