Clara looked up at Ethan, her eyes filled with concern. "Ethan, please don't go to Bali. I have this feeling... it just doesn't sit right with me."
He knelt down beside her, taking her hands in his. "Clara, I promise you, everything will be fine. This is my chance to launch my vlogging career. I need this."
"But what if something happens? I trust my instincts, and they're telling me to stay away from this journey."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I understand, but think about it. My mom will be here to take care of you. If anything happens, I'll come back early. I swear."
Clara looked into his eyes, searching for reassurance. "You promise?"
"I promise," he said firmly. "Just keep in touch with me, okay? I'll call you every day."
"Alright," she finally relented, leaning in closer. "But you have to vow to always keep in touch. No matter what."
"I vow," he replied, sealing it with a soft kiss.
With a small sigh, Clara cuddled up against him, resting her head on his thigh. She felt herself drifting off to sleep, comforted by his presence.
A sudden movement jolted her awake at 4 AM. Ethan was getting ready to leave. "Clara, wake up. I'm heading to the airport."
She blinked sleepily, sitting up. "What time is it?"
"Time for me to go," he said, smiling gently. "Come on, let's get ready."
They both shuffled to the bathroom. Clara helped him shave his beard, her hands steady as she carefully guided the razor. "You should wear something nice for your trip," she suggested, rummaging through his wardrobe.
"How about this?" she held up a trendy black bomber jacket paired with a simple white t-shirt and dark jeans.
"Looks perfect," he said, grinning. "You always know what's best."
"Of course," she said playfully, handing him his bag and camera. "But you need to put on pants too. It's freezing outside."
Ethan chuckled, glancing at her in her nightdress. "Clara, it's really cold. Just put on some pants, please?"
"Fine," she said reluctantly, rolling her eyes but smiling as she slipped on a pair of cozy leggings.
They called for an Uber, and it arrived quickly. As they stepped outside, Clara shivered. "Why does it have to be so cold?"
"Just a few more minutes, and you'll be back inside," Ethan reassured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
When they arrived at the airport, their friends were already waiting for them. They exchanged pleasantries and laughter, but Clara's heart sank as the time to say goodbye drew closer.
"Ethan," she said softly, pulling him aside. "I'll miss you so much. Two months is a long time."
"I know, I know," he replied, holding her close. "But I'll be back before you know it."
"Just remember, I'm six months pregnant. You can't stay away too long," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
"I promise I'll hurry back," he assured her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You take care of yourself and the baby, okay?"
Tears filled her eyes as they embraced tightly. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too. I'll text you the whole time," he said, kissing her forehead before stepping back.
As he walked towards the boarding gate, Clara watched him go, her heart heavy but filled with hope. The flight was quiet, and Ethan texted her for most of the journey, counting down the hours until he would be back in her arms.
The flight was a peaceful journey through the cold, expansive sky, the rhythmic hum of the engines creating a soothing backdrop that enveloped Ethan in a cocoon of calm. He gazed out the window, watching the clouds drift lazily by, their fluffy forms reminiscent of cotton candy. The tranquility of the plane was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of activity that awaited them in Indonesia. However, the serenity was occasionally interrupted by the soft, plaintive cries of a child somewhere in the cabin. Each wail struck a chord in Ethan's heart, a poignant reminder of the impending changes in his life as he prepared to embrace fatherhood. It was a bittersweet realization that mingled with his excitement, making the journey feel even more significant.
As the plane began its descent, the air outside transformed, becoming warmer and more humid, a stark invitation to the tropical paradise below. The moment they touched down, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The airport buzzed with energy, filled with the vibrant sounds of chatter, laughter, and the unmistakable thrill of anticipation. Fans had gathered in droves, their excitement palpable as they pressed against the barriers, eager to catch a glimpse of their idols. The moment Ethan stepped into the terminal, he was met with a wall of sound—screams of joy from fangirls filled the air, their voices a symphony of adoration that resonated through the bustling space.
Ethan, feeling the adrenaline surge through him, pulled out his camera, capturing the scene as he interacted with the crowd. He shook hands, signed shirts, and posed for selfies, each interaction fueling the energy around him. The faces of the fans lit up with joy, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they received a moment of connection with someone they admired. The air was thick with the scent of tropical flowers and the faint aroma of street food wafting in from outside, adding to the sensory overload of the moment.
As they navigated through the throng, Jason, Mark, Trent, Claus, Collins, and the security team worked together seamlessly, guiding the group through the sea of eager faces. The crowd's rowdiness was infectious, laughter and shouts mingling with the occasional shriek of excitement. Yet, amidst this chaos, there was an intriguing contrast in their driver. The old Indonesian man remained an island of calm, his demeanor unfazed by the commotion. His silence was almost ominous, as if he were a sage observing the youthful exuberance around him, his eyes focused on the road ahead while the world outside buzzed with life.
As they finally settled into the car, the noise of the fans began to fade, replaced by the soft sounds of the engine and the gentle hum of the tires on the asphalt. The drive to the hotel was filled with anticipation, the city lights beginning to twinkle as dusk settled in. The streets were alive with color and movement, vendors selling their wares, the aroma of delicious local cuisine wafting through the open windows, teasing their senses. Ethan's heart raced with excitement about the adventures that lay ahead, the warmth of Indonesia wrapping around him like a welcoming embrace, promising unforgettable experiences in this vibrant new land.
On their way to the hotel where they planned to spend the night, Ethan and his crew were driven past a rusty old abandoned hotel that loomed ominously in the fading light. Its dark, crumbling façade and shattered windows gave it an eerie presence, making it seem utterly uninhabited. Intrigued, Ethan turned to his friends, his eyes wide with wonder. "What do you think happened here? It looks like it has a story to tell," he said, his voice tinged with excitement.
The others, equally captivated by the sight, shared looks of astonishment. "It's creepy! I wonder why it's just sitting here like this," Mark chimed in, while Trent nodded in agreement, their curiosity piqued. Seeking answers, Ethan turned to the driver, who had been silent, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. After a moment of contemplation, the driver's deep voice broke the stillness. "Ah, that hotel is quite old. The builders and the owner are not known. But I must warn you, it's unstable. Debris may fall on anyone who dares to enter, which is why it remains uninhabited."
The weight of the driver's words hung in the air as they all exchanged glances, contemplating the thrill of exploration. "We should totally check it out tomorrow!" Ethan suggested, his adventurous spirit igniting a spark of mischief among the group. However, the driver's expression turned serious as he leaned back slightly, his tone stern. "I urge you not to. Many people have disappeared inside, likely due to the debris and unstable floors. It's dangerous, and I cannot stress enough—do not trespass."
Despite the warning, the group shared mischievous glances, silently acknowledging their intention to explore the hotel regardless of the risks. The driver, sensing their defiance, fell silent again, his focus returning to the road as if he hadn't spoken just moments before. Ethan, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, looked out the window and was suddenly drawn to a flicker of light on the thirteenth floor. There, in one of the windows, stood a woman, her figure illuminated against the dark backdrop of the hotel.
She held her belly, her posture suggesting she was pregnant, and her expression was hauntingly sad. Tears streamed down her cheeks, glistening in the dim light, and despite her beauty, there was something unsettling about her presence. Her long, silky straight hair cascaded down her shoulders, but there was an ethereal quality to her that made Ethan question his own perception. Gripped by an impulse, he took out his camera and zoomed in, capturing the moment. But as he reviewed the photo, a chill ran down his spine; the woman's face was obscured by her hair, a detail that was absent in real life. He took a few more pictures and they all gave the same result.
Panic set in as he wondered if he was hallucinating, the weight of his anxiety crashing over him. He quickly reached for his medicine, the small tablet meant to calm his racing thoughts. He swallowed it down, hoping to regain his composure, but the others remained blissfully unaware of his internal struggle as they continued their journey to the hotel.
Upon arrival, the group settled in for the evening, sharing a delightful meal of Nasi Goreng, the fragrant Indonesian fried rice filled with spices and vegetables, which temporarily lifted their spirits. They laughed and recounted stories, the earlier tension forgotten as they savored the delicious food. Eventually, they retired to bed early, but Ethan lay awake, the image of the woman at the window haunting his thoughts, a mystery that lingered in the shadows of the night.