On an Isolated Island

Izla went up to her room after bidding Daniel goodbye. She changed her clothes, preparing to relax, but Rocky came in, wanting to play with her. He had missed her company and began tugging at her clothes, urging her to come downstairs as if to remind her it was time for dinner. She gave in, though all she wanted was to stay alone and imagine the beautiful dreams she hoped to achieve.

As she descended the stairs, her aunt's voice pierced her ears:

"Izla, what's wrong? Aren't you hungry, my dear?"

Izla replied: "I am, but I had coffee with Daniel. I think that's why I don't feel hungry."

Her aunt responded: "What's important, sweetheart, is that you sit with me. I love having company at the table."

Izla sat at the table to keep her aunt company, while Rocky wagged his tail and nudged Izla's clothes as if asking her to join him on the island. He missed running and playing with Iris. Izla felt his yearning and remembered her seal friend. She swallowed hard, hiding her sadness. She had to get used to loss and strengthen herself to face whatever fate might unexpectedly bring her way.

She finished her dinner with a smile, weaving stories to lighten the mood and bring joy to her aunt despite the pain of loss she carried in her heart.

Afterward, she excused herself:

"Auntie, I'll leave you now. I feel like I'm about to faint from sleep."

Her aunt replied: "Goodnight, sweetheart. Oh, I forgot to tell you—my son will finally visit us in the coming days. His heart has softened toward his mother at last."

Izla responded: "You see, Auntie? I told you he'd come soon. Goodnight, Auntie."

She kissed her and went up to her room, lying on her bed, trying to summon sleep. But sleep refused to visit her. So, she let her daydreams run free, dreaming of Daniel and the path they would carve together. Her hope was that no one would disrupt their lives so they could achieve what her father had dreamed of. She longed to return to the island with him, where she had left her memories and lived the most beautiful days of her life.