Class is over. Thomas takes hold of Sally's hand and steps out of the house. Together, they meander across the yard and gradually make their way to that beach. It's a cloudy day, with the sun nowhere to be seen. A few seagulls are gracefully gliding over the cliff. Allen once tried to bring them down but came perilously close to tumbling off the cliff. On this cloudy day, the distant scenery unfolds clearly before their eyes. Far out at sea, the waves are massive. But here by the small island, the water remains gentle. Occasionally, when it rushes to their feet, it quickly retreats. The elder brother is gone. A gentle voice, laced with the hoarseness that comes from a long silence, emerges. Thomas looks down at Sally and says, "You can speak now." Sally nods. If Allen knew that Sally could speak, he'd be overjoyed beyond measure. At this moment, Thomas ponders that even on a cloudy day, the beach is a sight to behold. It's a different kind of beauty. "He will be fine and will come back to get you," Thomas says as he gazes at Sally. Sally shakes her head and fixes her eyes on the mighty waves in the distance. Murmuring softly, "You don't understand." Thomas falls silent. The clouds press down in layers. The distant waves gradually grow thick and inch closer to the small island. From the depths of the ocean, a dark blue power, almost black, surges upward. Sally releases Thomas's hand. Her long hair, fluttering in the sea breeze, firmly captures Thomas's attention. "I'm going to find my elder brother. Will you come with me?"
This is no easy decision. On this small island, Thomas can hold sway over his own life and has always felt at ease. But Allen and Sally are like a splash of brilliant color in an otherwise dull existence. Like a few stones tossed into a calm pool, they create beautiful ripples one after another, brimming with vitality. Let's go and see if Allen has fulfilled his grand vision. After all, he entrusted Sally to him. He can't let her cross the sea alone. Let's go and see what lies on the other side of the sea. All these unknowns keep Thomas wide awake and unable to sleep. He stands up and gazes out of the window. Today is a full moon. The surroundings are bathed in brightness. The gently pulsating and glittering sea water, the peaceful courtyard, and the slumbering buildings fill Thomas's heart. A tiny speck appears in the distance and draws nearer and nearer. It's a seagull. It lands in front of Thomas's window. The world is asleep, but they are awake, sharing the stillness of the night. Thomas knows that he will return. His mom is here. This island holds everything that is his.
The alarm clock rings at twenty-five past six. Thomas sits up. In the sunlight, mom's face is blurry. She approaches slowly, holding an iron tray. Her eyelashes are shimmering. "Mom, I'll be back soon," Thomas says a bit louder. Mom is bound to hear it. "You are the smartest child," Mom says with a smile as she tenderly rubs Thomas's hair on the forehead. The door is closed. Thomas stands up, surveys the room, and his eyes come to rest on the window. Outside lies the azure sea. A seagull is soaring overhead. The shrill cry is carried to every corner of the small island by the sea breeze. Thinking of Mom who just walked out, a sudden hurt makes Thomas close his eyes tightly. He turns his head back and then slowly opens his eyes. And then he strides out.