The sound of an old wooden door banging and the loud clicking of the rusted key started the day. It was a gloomy spring morning, with only a few wild flowers can be seen. Everything is just like usual. Foggy, no sunshine, and gloomy. But she seems not to notice the lack of the beauty of nature, as it was something usual. A part of everyday life, especially since she lives in the industrial area, where fumes and the bad odor always exist.
As usual, she put the key under the red old mat. The panda picture on it was barely visible. Until now, she had always borne in mind that she has nothing valuable, that anyone would want to steal. So she never worries about putting her key just like that. Besides, it would make it easier for the landlady to do whatever it was she wanted to be done.
Ever since she rented this room, the landlady was not too trusting and seems always suspicious as she has no home address. She often checked the room, right after Tiara left for the office. She realized this when she forgot her pen and came back to get it. The landlady was tiptoeing into the room and looking inside her drawer. she even looked under the sheet.
Though she wanted to, she didn't make a comment or say anything. She just let it be. She knew that if she had said something, the landlady would easily ask her to leave the house. And she would have gotten into more difficulties as she had nowhere to live.
Tiara's footsteps could be heard in the quiet early morning. Yes, it was still early, not even 7 yet. The streets were so quiet that the sounds of Tiara's footsteps could be heard clearly, even though she tried to tread as lightly as possible.
Tiara always left early. She knew that she had to leave early if she wanted to get to the office on time, and today she felt energized, maybe especially since this is her last day at work. She has decided to take a leave this weekend, to take a break from her dull and boring life. She hoped that by going to a remote island, she could refresh her life even for just once in a lifetime. She wanted to feel the life on the Island which immediately fascinates her. It even crossed her mind to live there. She reached the bus stop just in time, so with her left hand still holding her half-eaten strawberry jelly jam sandwich, she hurriedly hops into the still not so crammed bus.
As she sat, her mind wandered to the time she watched the video at the tourism office. She was mesmerized by the island's white sandy beach, the blue sky, the natural beauty, and the quiet and serene atmosphere on the remote island. This is what I need and what I've always dreamed of. Nature, the fresh air, and friendly people are what I've always wanted. Imagine living in a tiny hut, overlooking the beach. "I've never even seen the sea." she smiled to herself.
Not only has she not seen the sea, but she also has never been anywhere. During her school years, her life centered between the orphanage and school, and the nursing home next to it. Every morning, she would wave to the senior citizens there and after school, she would spend time, helping and taking care of those in need. She never thought of her visit was a chore. She's just happy doing it.
She kept smiling as her thoughts went back to the time when she immediately went to the customer service desk and booked a flight, right after the video of the beautiful island ended. She was really surprised at herself, that she could be so impulsive. Tiara was certainly not an impulsive person. She's a level-headed person, who always thinks twice, before taking any steps, especially if it is something that is out of her regular day-to-day routines. This is something that seems impossible for her to be doing and has never ever done it. She has never gone abroad. Ah, the word 'abroad' is too far off, something so unthinkable. She has never even set her foot out of this hectic and polluted city.
For Tiara, without even realizing it, this trip could be a trip of a lifetime since she took all of her savings to pay for it, and has put all her few belongings into the only backpack she has.
She jumped to her feet when she heard the buzzing sound of someone pressing the bell of the bus to stop. As it was also her stop, she hurriedly walk to the door and stepped out.
She raised her head to look at the white high-rise building in front of her. She hesitantly moved towards it and took a deep breath. "Be happy. This is your last day before going for the really needed vacation," she said to herself as if nudging positive feelings to herself
That worked. She felt happy as she walked along the narrow corridor, carpeted in dull grey color. She couldn't hide her excitement as it is shown all over her face, as her co-workers mentioned.
She was even happier when it was time to go home. She walked hurriedly to the bus stop and crammed herself into the already full bus. It was the first time she felt happy to be going home and to be in her small bleak room.
She couldn't be more happy when she woke up the next morning. Even though the sun didn't shine and the day was damp and grey.
She stood on the uneven pavement and waved as she saw a taxi heads toward where she was standing. She has never been in a taxi before, but she decided that this is the day, the beginning of new things and a new adventure to come.
She now clearly sees the airport, as the taxi slowed down to reach the main entrance of the airport. "I'm here and ready to explore. Who knows maybe I will spend my life there. My rent's paid and not one single person will miss me here." she chuckled at her silly thoughts while stepping down from the taxi, carrying only a backpack and a small sling bag.
Even with only taking a small amount of luggage with her, Tiara's room was almost empty. What was left was only a pair of room slippers, a blanket, a plate, a mug, a half-used tin of coffee, and a pan.
The door automatically opened in front of her, and her eyes widen, just like a child in a candy store. She walked slowly as she looked around the area. Noticing that there are lots and lots of things which she had never seen before.
Her look of amazement, made the security officer notice her and came over with a smile. "Is there anything I can help with?"
"Ummm..yes yes, I want to board a plane," she said
"The man smiled at her naiveness, and said, "Come little one, I will take you to the check-in counter."
Yes, the man was right in calling her little one. Compared to his tall posture, indeed Tiara is the little one.
Tiara followed him while still continuing to look around with her bright eyes.
"Thank you, "Tiara addressed the officer as he took her to the counter. The man nodded and smiled. "Take care," he said and left.
The check-in process was swift, and in no time, she was already seated in the boarding room. Her heart skipped a beat as she heard the announcement mention her flight number. She walked to the gate and asked the officer there if she was at the right gate. This is Tiara, always check and double-check.
She sighed in relief as she boarded the plane.
"I can't believe I'm actually doing this!" she said softly while pinching her own arm, making sure that she was not dreaming. "What if I run out of money?" And a lot of other if's followed. She suddenly felt the panic in her, start increasing. She took a long deep breath.
As if reprimanding herself, Tiara said quietly, "you're going to be fine. You're going to be a new person, ready for anything." She inhaled deeply and sat down on the window seat, ready for the adventures to come.