When I arrived at the store, I saw the employees all standing out front, and my stomach dropped. I thought, "Oh no, please don't do this to me!" Then I spotted the store's general manager, and I knew what she was about to say. I was already feeling overwhelmed from the last store, and this was only going to make it worse.
When I arrived at the store, I noticed that some of the staff were waiting out front, and I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. I thought to myself, 'Oh no, please don't do this to me.' Then, I saw that the store's general manager was there too, and I knew what she was going to tell me. I was already an emotional wreck coming from the other store, and I was dreading what she was going to say.
The general manager approached me with a warm and friendly smile, and before I could say anything, I asked her kindly, "Are you telling me that everything in the store is free?" She confirmed with a chuckle, and I replied, "I had intended to spend the $1,400 I have with me, but that seems unnecessary now." She smiled again and said in a gentle and friendly tone, "It seems you have been granted this privilege as a sort of thank you from all the stores in town. It seems that, as the only news reporter leaving town, everyone wanted to show their appreciation. Perhaps consider giving the money to a friend or family member."
I held myself together and put on a smile as I walked into the store. While shopping, I was surprised and touched when Angela Hunt from the Tri-Valley newspaper approached me and gave me a warm hug. She didn't say anything, but her eyes were filled with tears, and she gave me a comforting smile before walking away. I felt a little overwhelmed, but I tried to finish my shopping as quickly as possible. When I got to the check-out counter, the store clerk was kind and helpful as he bagged up my items and handed them to me. As I was about to leave the store, the assistant manager and the general manager smiled at me and gave me a hug, wishing me well. Their kindness and compassion filled me with warmth, and I was grateful for the support.
After leaving the store with the purchased items, I began walking to my car. Once I got there, I opened the rear door of my car, placed my bags inside, and shut it. I then strolled to the front of my car, and before I went inside, I saw the store managers and their employees saying goodbye to me. Other people were also waving goodbye to me. I opened my car door and waved goodbye to them with a friendly smile before I got in. With tears in my eyes, I started my car and drove home, feeling overwhelmed. It was the most emotional shopping experience I have ever had. Seeing everyone whose life I touched while reporting the news was a truly incredible feeling.
I was arriving home from the store with all of my purchases in tow. As I entered my home, I quickly set everything down by the front door and made my way to the sofa, collapsing onto it as soon as I arrived. I pulled out my viewer phone and dialed Tina, informing her of my plans to go live on television at 9:00 that evening. She asked if I had any plans for the night, to which I replied that I was planning on heading to Sunset Beach Park shortly. Tina could sense the struggle in my voice and offered to talk if I ever needed to, to which I agreed before saying my goodbyes. I wanted to call Holly but knew she was working in the field, so I had to catch up with her later. Though they couldn't go with me, I would still miss my two best friends dearly, and all I had were photos and videos of us together.
It was five o'clock on Thursday night, and I felt a little anxious. I only had 26 hours left before it was time for me to board the colony ship. I got up from the sofa, grabbed some Mason jars from the bag by the door, and put them on the end table by the loveseat. After that, I grabbed a marker, tape, a notebook, a pencil, and a backpack from my desk. I carefully placed the Mason jars in my bag, then I put on my backpack and grabbed my keys. With everything I needed, I left the house, ready for the adventure ahead.
I was in for a treat! A ten-minute walk to Sunset Beach Park was just what I needed on such a beautiful day. The sky was a brilliant blue, with not one cloud in sight. The sun was on its way to setting, but I had three hours to enjoy the gentle breeze and the warmth of the summer day. As I strolled along, I saw two of my neighbors. I waved and smiled, but I was in no hurry to talk to anyone; I was enjoying my peaceful walk. In no time, I arrived at the beach – ready to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
When I arrived at Sunset Beach Park, it was so peaceful. The beach was almost empty, which was quite unusual for such a warm evening. I decided to take a stroll and see what I could find. I didn't have to look far before I found the perfect spot to start collecting. I took my backpack off my shoulders and placed it on the sand. I opened it up, grabbed the four Mason jars I had packed, and filled each one with something special. I filled the first one with sand, the second with stones, the third with sticks and leaves, and the fourth with some ocean water. I even grabbed a patch of grass to add to the jar of rocks. After I sealed the lids, I put the jars back in my backpack and walked to the picnic table to take a break and jot down some notes in my notebook.
I took out my notebook and started writing about everything I saw on the beach. It was so peaceful and quiet, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm come over me. I pulled my viewer phone out of my pocket and started playing Island Breeze, a Jazzy R&B style that was perfect for the moment. The song was so relaxing that I didn't even feel the need to write anything down. Instead, I just got up from the table and went to the shore. I closed my eyes and extended my arms, feeling the gentle breeze go through my hair. I knew this was my last night on this beach, and I wanted to remember it, so I opened my eyes and started singing along to the song. Knowing that I would miss this place, I shed a few tears. I had spent many days here, taking the time to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the day's work. Before I left, I just enjoyed walking around the beach and taking it all in.
It was time to go home, and I felt a little wistful as I walked back to the picnic table where I had left my backpack. I zipped it up, slung it over my shoulder, and took one last look at the beach. A wave of emotions came over me, and I smiled and shed a few tears, knowing that the memories of this place would remain with me forever. As I headed home, I saw my neighbor Amy walking her dog. She stopped to chat and said she would miss our conversations. She gave me a hug, said goodbye, and continued on her way.
As I arrived home, I put my backpack down on the end table near the love seat and shut the front door. Taking my time, I opened up my backpack and carefully pulled out the mason jars. I set them on the table before heading into the kitchen to grab a snack before I was due to go live on television later tonight.
I wasn't sure what to say, but I knew it wouldn't be easy. I kept asking myself "What to eat, what to eat, what to eat?" It felt like I was in a rut and needed something light. So I decided on a sandwich, a salad, and a soda. I made a ham and Swiss sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, and a side of salad. I grabbed a can of soda from the fridge to finish off my light meal.
I took my food and made my way to the backyard patio table to enjoy my meal. It was so peaceful and tranquil here; the only sound I could hear was the faint noise of traffic from the highway in the distance and the birds singing. I am truly blessed to live in such a lovely neighborhood with such diverse styles of architecture. Art Deco, contemporary, and even some old-fashioned houses with a rustic charm—it all made for a picturesque setting. The trees, including weeping willows, oaks, and cherry blossoms, added to the beauty of this place.
I was sitting outside on the patio, enjoying a sandwich when my viewer phone suddenly rang. When I answered it, I heard Jerry's voice on the other end. He asked if I was still planning to go live on television tonight at 9:00, and I confirmed that I was. I told him that I was planning to set up my hologram laptop in the den and go live from there. He said okay, and I told him that I had to finish eating and call him back when I was ready. After I hung up, I started to think about what I would say live on television tonight. I took a deep breath, not wanting to cry while I was live on television, as that would just push me over the edge. It was about 8:00, and the sun was beginning to set, so I got up from the patio table and went inside with my dishes. I put the plate and bowl in the sink and my soda in the refrigerator.
I made my way over to the desk to get my hologram laptop. I took it to the den and set it up, making sure everything was ready to go. I wanted to make sure it was all taken care of before I went outside to watch the sunset for the last time in my backyard. My emotions were starting to get the better of me, and I knew that if I didn't take control of them, I would end up in tears on camera.
After setting up my hologram laptop, I ventured outside to my backyard to take in the beauty of the sunset. I pulled out my viewer phone and started playing Island Breeze, my favorite song for watching the sun go down.
As I listened to the song, my eyes filled with tears, knowing this would be the last time I'd watch the sunset from my backyard. It was hard to fathom that in less than 24 hours, I would be boarding the colony ship.
The sun was slowly sinking lower and lower in the sky, and I found it difficult to contain my emotions. Despite my best efforts, I eventually gave in and allowed myself to cry.
After taking a few minutes to compose myself, I returned to the house, shut the back door, and quietly went to the bathroom to wipe away any traces of tears. It was almost nine o'clock, so I went into the den to start things.
The hologram laptop was already on, so I connected to the video conference and called Jerry to tell him I was ready. Tina joined the video conference, looked at me, and asked in a friendly tone, "Are you okay?" I replied, "Look at my face. You tell me." Tina looked at me with understanding and compassion, and Jerry also joined the video conference.
He kindly informed me that Holly would begin first, and then five minutes later, I would take over. Tina then reassured me with a gentle voice, telling me to take my time, that I could talk as long as I wanted, and when I was finished, I could hand it over to Holly so she could finish.
At nine o'clock, the news started, and Holly was talking about me. Jerry counted down and then told me I was live. I was stunned and couldn't say anything for a few seconds. Tina was watching me on the small video box in the corner of the screen and knew what was about to happen.
When I finally opened my mouth, I tried to express my appreciation to everyone who had been concerned about me while I struggled to say the next words. Unfortunately, I burst into tears and started to cry on live television.
Jerry immediately cut back to Holly while Tina tried to comfort me. I asked if they could come over tonight so I wouldn't be alone, and Tina said they would both come. I thanked her and ended the video conference, feeling embarrassed and ashamed of my breakdown. I didn't mean to fall apart live on television, but it happened anyway. All I wanted to do was say thank you to everyone who called the television station to see how I was doing. There were other things I wanted to say. But the words just couldn't come out of my mouth.
I rose from the desk I had been seated at and ventured into the living room, seating myself on the sofa. I closed my eyes for a few moments, allowing myself to ease my mind and collect my thoughts.
Upon opening my eyes and surveying my living room, a small smile tugged at my lips, as I remembered all the effort my father and I put into restoring the living room.
My father and I had a wonderful time working together in this house. We painted the living room in a soft and inviting combination of white with delicate pink along the baseboards. The furniture was a modern, yet rustic style that really brought the room together. To complete the look, I had beautiful ceiling lighting and Art Deco lamps in each corner. The flooring was a light walnut hardwood which added a touch of warmth.
I can still hear my mother telling my dad not to work me so hard and to take it easy. I miss them dearly since they passed away in a tragic car accident a year ago. If they were still here, I am sure they would tell me that I am being silly for wanting to leave Earth and live on another planet.