James had written in his will that he wished to be buried beside his wife on that isolated island. Isla was determined to fulfill her father's last wish. After the funeral rites were completed, her heart was nearly shattered with grief at the thought of never seeing him again. She steeled herself with patience, trying to conceal her tears, for her father would never return to her.
She went up to her room to gather her belongings and clothes, and everything Daniel had asked her to prepare for the journey with him. She was going to visit her mother's family, whom she had never met, and afterward, she would deliver the file to the company so they could resume their work, which would undoubtedly change. She had resigned herself to this, with the intention of returning to continue her research and dive deep into the sea's mysteries.
She glanced at her father's room, her heart aching at the thought of leaving a place she had never imagined she would one day be forced to abandon. Unable to hold back, her tears fell like raindrops, and she gasped for air, choking on her sobs. Daniel took her in his arms, trying to comfort her, feeling a strange sensation wash over him. He wished she would stay in his embrace, but she pulled away, afraid to fall into the same feelings he had also begun to sense.
Daniel tried to push the matter aside and urged her to hurry with packing so they could leave the island before the weather turned. Isla agreed, but she asked for a little more time to say goodbye to her friend Iris, hoping that they would meet again one day. She didn't know that this would be their final farewell. Iris had been the one to share the happiest days of her life, and the sea was the silent witness to their bond. She had known no one but her and Roki, living in isolation from the world, accompanied by nature, and enjoying all its beauty.
Daniel didn't object; instead, he accompanied her, knowing the deep pain she was carrying inside after losing everything that had once brought her joy.
Isla hurried to the shore, with Roki and Daniel following her. She called out for Iris, and within minutes, she appeared in the distance, making her way toward them. Isla swam out to meet her, embracing her as a mother would her child. She had grown so accustomed to her presence that Iris had become a part of her. Isla spoke to her softly, telling her that she would be leaving soon to fulfill an important task, but she promised she would return. She reassured Iris not to worry, even if she were absent for days or months.
For even when a bird migrates away from its home to escape nature's wrath and cruelty, the longing for it brings it back when life adorns itself with beauty and the brightest colors of spring. The bird returns, greeted by the most fragrant scents, to sing its sweetest melodies and soar in the sky of freedom after a long absence.