Time went by, and the time stipulated by Onema was almost up. Renny's mind returned from her thoughts; Amika's mood had returned to normal, and she was now engaging in a conversation with another tourist.
Renny excused herself and walked towards Onema, who had finished giving an explanation to some people who had come to make inquiries.
"Hello, do you have any questions about the Elmina Castle?" Onema asked.
"No, I just have a request. I don't know if it can be granted," Renny replied.
"What is it? Tell me; if it's within my means, I will fulfill it," Onema inquired.
"Well, I would like to send off my mother by the sea,she was cremated. I don't know if you can help me with that; it is what she wanted," Renny said.
Onema hesitated and then silently looked at Renny. "I understand. Let me ask my supervisor. Please wait for some time until I finish sending off everybody," he said.
"No problem, thank you. If it's not possible, it's alright too," Renny said.
After sending off the tourists, Onema exchanged numbers with Renny and informed her to stay close by. After he talked to his supervisor, he would return and inform her about the outcome.
Renny informed the Johnsons that she would be staying behind for something. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson insisted that they must return to Accra with her, so whatever time she spent in the town, they too would stay.
Renny couldn't convince them to go, so she just let it be. They went to a nearby restaurant that was near the castle.
After making themselves comfortable, they ordered some snacks and juice.
"We haven't exchanged numbers, Renny. Here, add me to your contacts," Amika enthusiastically said as she passed Renny her phone.
Renny had no reason to refuse, so she added Amika and the rest of the Johnsons to her contacts.
"It's just midday now, but it's already so hot. Good thing there is an air conditioner in here," Amika complained ad she sipped her cold mangoe juice that had been delivered.
"It's not very hot, though; I think it's just right," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Mom, where are your friends whom you were with? I thought you would come with them," Danty inquired.
"Well, they are acquiring their citizenship, so they couldn't come with us. We had to separate halfway; also, they had already visited. I will introduce you guys to them later," Mrs. Johnson answered. Danty nodded his head in understanding.
After some minutes, Renny's phone rang; it was Onema. She quickly picked up the call.
"Hello, Madam Renny! You are really lucky! My supervisor had refused to budge, but a certain person said a word for you. You can send off your mother with peace of mind!" Onema said.
"Oh, thank you, Onema. I will have to pay some money for certain arrangements; please help me arrange the payment method," Renny said.
"Alright, please meet me at the castle entrance; I will escort you on your journey," Onema said.
"Thank you, I will be there in a minute," Renny replied then disconnected the call.
When she turned back towards the table to complete her drink, she was startled by the family of four; all their focus was on her.
"We heard everything. The volume was loud. We would like to escort you, if you don't mind," Mrs. Johnson requested. Renny couldn't refuse; two people were better than one.
They met up with Onema, who led them towards the southeast direction. After walking for some time, a beach came into view.
"There is a boat over there. Let's go," Onema said, pointing in the western corner. He led them there, and the rest followed behind him. In the distance, an expensive and new boat could be seen.
"Whose boat? Tourists?" Mrs. Johnson inquired, pointing at it.
"Ah! Oh! It's not for tourists," Onema vaguely answered; it was clear that he didn't want to reveal anything about the owner of the boat.
The group didn't push it further; they boarded the boat and sailed off. After about one kilometer, the boat came to a stop.
"I think this will do?" Onema stated.
"Yes, thank you, Onema," Renny replied.
"No problem, please go on," Onema said before going in another direction.
Renny picked out the urn from her bag and gently held it in her hands. She silently looked towards the sea and gently stroked the urn.
The Johnsons were standing not far away; they didn't dare speak. Renny opened the urn and slowly poured out the ash; she hadn't registered that her eyes had begun to tear up at this moment.
After finishing the entire process, she turned to put the urn back in her bag but found that her shoulders were gently held by Amika and Mrs. Johnson in comfort.
"I am alright; it's been a year," Renny said, but her voice trembled and came out hoarse.
Dante silently offered her a clean handkerchief. Renny then registered the tears on her cheeks at this time, so she thanked Dante and quickly wiped away her tears.
She tried to smile at the five people watching her, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Let's go back, Onema. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me," Renny said.
"No problem. You can spend more time here if you want; permission extends for about two hours," Onema explained.
Renny nodded in understanding and lay down on the boat, looking up at the sky as she tried to stop tears from clouding her eyes.
"Oh, it's that boat you saw, Mom. Look," Amika suddenly pointed out.
Renny turned to her left and saw the boat too; however, what caught her attention was that the water beneath the boat was totally pitch black. She was suddenly startled and sat up straight, looking down at the water under their boat, but she found that it was normal.
She wiped her eyes with the handkerchief and once again turned in the direction of the boat, but this time, the water was clear.
She was puzzled but relieved; she assumed that crying and grief had made her have some illusions, it was better to have some proper rest.
"Let's leave the sea; it's better if we go back early. It's not good to travel at night," Renny warned.
"Renny is right, but while we are at it, let's take pictures together for memories," Amika suddenly said and immediately got her camera from her bag.
They posed for some pictures and also faced the boat in the distance. Amika said it was to make it not seem that they were alone at sea. Renny's mood suddenly improved a little due to the lively atmosphere as the boat sailed back to land.
The journey to Elmina Castle had finally come to an end. The journey back was, however, different. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson insisted on buying local goods for keepsakes; they inquired from Renny what to buy, and she could give them suggestions here and there.
When they reached their hotel, Amika hugged Renny and saw her off. She promised to send her the pictures taken, then told Joshua to drop her off at her apartment.
Renny had no complaints; she bid the family of four goodbye, and the car set off.