LightReader

Chapter 21 - Marriage, Family Favourite Topic!

Patrick, Bryan, and Lúcio wake up in Bilene, with the sun already coloring the sky with warm tones. The contagious energy of the long weekend by the sea drives them for another day of adventures. After a lively breakfast in the rented house, they decide it's time to explore more of the Mozambican coast—the next stop: Jangamo Beach.

"Guys, get ready for another amazing day. Jangamo, here we come!" Exclaims Patrick, excitedly, as they pack their things.

The friends agreed excitedly, carrying their luggage to the car. Lúcio, at the wheel, begins the journey. The path stretches ahead, a winding road that promises to reveal lush landscapes.

Lúcio, excited, comments. "I can't wait to see what Jangamo has in store for us. I bet it's another hidden gem."

Bryan, who is checking the map, agrees. "It looks like the trip will be long, but the road is good. Let's enjoy the scenery along the way."

Along the way, laughter and relaxed conversations fill the car. Patrick, in the backseat, shares funny stories while Lúcio, next to Bryan, watches the ever-changing landscape.

"Are you guys ready for Jangamo Beach? I heard it's a hidden paradise," comments Bryan.

Lúcio smiles, keeping his eyes on the road. "I can't wait to get there. I think we're going to find some amazing places to explore."

The route reveals the richness of the Mozambican landscape: green fields, picturesque villages, and the ocean breeze that occasionally arrives through the open car window.

While Patrick and his friends' trip unfolds happily on the way to Jangamo Beach, Leonora remains at her mother's house, enjoying the serenity and camaraderie in the studio. The sound of the cell phone cuts through the morning silence. Leonora grabs the phone, and a smile lights up her face when she sees Matthew's name on the screen.

"At last, Matt!" Leonora greets excitedly while answering the call.

Matthew's voice, with a strong British accent, fills the room. "Leonora, how are you? I missed you, girl!"

Leonora laughs, feeling the friendly connection cross borders. "I'm great, Matt! And you, how are things over there?"

Matthew shares the news, detailing his routine and experiences in the Queen's Land. Laura, as she listens, imagines the busy, cosmopolitan life she experienced during her stay in the United Kingdom.

The conversation takes a more emotional turn when Matthew mentions his nephew. "You need to come visit, Leonora. The little one is growing up fast, and I'm sure he already misses you."

Leonora, remembering the familiar warmth she always found around Matthew, smiles. "I definitely need to plan a visit soon. We miss each other, Matt."

Matthew, with a hearty laugh, comments, "You know you'll always have a place here. And, of course, we have a lot to catch up on."

The conversation goes on, going through shared memories, laughter, and plans for the future. Upon ending the call, Leonora feels grateful for these bonds that span geographical distances. The idea of ​​visiting is tempting, and she begins to consider a future trip to the United Kingdom.

Leonora delves into memories of her life in the UK and the connections that continue to blossom. The day promises more discoveries and surprises for both Leonora and her friends by the sea. The invisible thread of friendship, which unites people from different parts of the world, persists, resistant and enriching.

While Leonora's mother's house is filled with the excitement of life and creation in the studio, Nádia is at her in-laws' house, immersed in the warm atmosphere of the kitchen. Nádia, known for her culinary skills and infectious smile, is helping her mother-in-law prepare a special brunch.

Between bubbling pots and the delicious aroma of coffee, Nádia and her mother-in-law worked in harmony, sharing laughs and stories. The kitchen is a place where flavors intertwine with memories, creating a unique experience.

"Nádia, darling, you are a true master in the kitchen. I'm so happy to have your help today," expresses the mother-in-law as she gently stirs a mixture.

Nádia smiles, thanking him for her kindness. "It's always a pleasure to help, especially when it comes to creating special family moments."

The conversation flows naturally between the two, as Nádia shares her recent experiences and her mother-in-law tells family stories. Brunch isn't just a meal; it is a ritual that unites people, generating bonds and strengthening family foundations.

As the toast browns and the eggs are prepared with care, Nádia realizes the importance of these shared moments. Not only is she contributing to the brunch preparation, but she is also helping to build memories that will be cherished for years to come.

After a few hours of travel, the dunes and coconut groves of Bilene gave way to a wilder, less-explored landscape. The dirt road beneath the car's wheels added a dash of adventure to the journey.

As they approach Jangamo Beach, the gentle sound of waves in the distance becomes more noticeable, increasing anticipation.

When they arrive at Jangamo Beach, an expanse of golden sand stretches out before them, caressed by gentle waves of the crystal clear waters. The paradisiacal setting made everyone feel grateful for the decision to embark on this getaway. The scenery is breathtaking.

"Look at that!" Lúcio exclaims, marveling at the vastness of the beach. "I think we found paradise."

Lúcio parks the car outside the house, and the group rushes to disembark, eager to explore. After putting everything inside, they take the cooler with drinks and snacks for the day at the beach.

Still at the house, appreciating the natural beauty from afar, Patrick looks at the unused bodyboards. "How about we go surfing before we explore further?"

With bodyboards in their hands and the excitement of children about to discover a new playground, they head to the refreshing water, where the waves play at their feet as they walk towards the majestic dune to surf. The ocean becomes the perfect playground for moments of relaxation and laughter.

The waves welcomed them with a tempting invitation, and soon they were diving into the crystal-clear waters. Laughter and jokes fill the air as they try to tame the invigorating waves.

After lunch, the living room at Patrick's parents' house becomes the welcoming setting for a lively family conversation. Zadie, accompanied by her parents, shares laughs and stories while everyone gets comfortable.

Sofía, with an affectionate smile, looks around, grateful to have her family around. "It was a delicious lunch. Always good to have the family together."

John Andrade, lifting his coffee cup. "Yes, the food was amazing. Patrick is certainly enjoying himself at Jangamo Beach, but it's nice to have these moments together."

Zadie, picking up the dessert, comments. "Speaking of Patrick, he called early. It sounds like the trip is going great. They're having a great time."

Curious, the parents ask for details about Patrick's trip. Zadie, excited, begins to share the reports she received. She describes the stunning landscapes, exciting activities, and laughter shared between Patrick and his friends.

"Apparently, they had a beachside barbecue last night, and today they're spending the day exploring Jangamo Beach," Zadie adds, smiling as she remembers the stories she heard.

Patrick's parents, while listening to the animated narratives, exchange proud looks. "It's good to know he's enjoying it. These moments are important," says his father.

The conversation extends to other topics, ranging from plans to the latest news in each family member's life. The living room becomes a stage for laughter, affection, and the unique connection that only family life can provide. Suddenly, the conversation turns to a favorite family topic: marriage. One of the family members, with a mischievous smile, asks Zadie. "So when can we expect you to give us news about a wedding as well?"

Zadie, with a gentle smile, chats in a relaxed manner. "Ah, you know how it is; I'm in no rush. Not every woman is eager to get married."

Curious eyes turn to her, and she continues. "I want to focus on my career and explore the world. Marriage is just an option, not an obligation."

Patrick's parents, respecting their daughter's choice, nod understandingly. The family member, noticing the diplomatic response, decides to change the subject to something lighter. But another family member, not satisfied with his uncle's choices, continues. "And Patrick, when is he going to get married? It's past time!"

Sofia, intervening gently, says, "It's better not to talk about those who aren't there to respond, right? Everyone has their own time and choices to make."

Meanwhile, on Jangamo Beach, as they rest on the warm sands, Patrick looks around the beach in awe. "Let's explore those rock formations at the tip. Who knows what we might find?"

The friends agree, excited by the idea of ​​a small expedition. The walk along the beach reveals hidden corners and natural pools formed by weathered rocks.

As they explore, Bryan points to the horizon. "Look at that cliff at the bottom. I think we can get an amazing view from there."

The steep climb brings them to the top of the cliff, where they're greeted by a panoramic view of the beach stretching as far as the eye can see. The deep blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the coastal vegetation, creating a breathtaking scene.

"This was worth every second of the trip," Lúcio says, admiring the landscape.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, they decide to return to their rented house to prepare for the night. The promise of a sunset dinner on the beach excites them.

Later, gathered around a fire in the sand, they share stories while roasting fresh fish and vegetables on the makeshift grill. Dusk transforms the sky into a spectacle of colors, and the moon emerges on the horizon, illuminating the beach.

Patrick, looking at the fire, reflected, "This trip is turning out to be unforgettable. Sometimes you need to escape the routine to find those hidden treasures."

The friends agreed, raising their glasses in a toast to friendship, adventures, and shared moments.

As the night unfolded with laughter, music, and stories around the campfire, each person felt the magnitude of the experience. The gentle sound of the waves, the night breeze, and the camaraderie create a symphony of memories that would last long beyond the trip.

In the silence of the night, as Jangamo Beach sinks into stillness, Patrick and his friends feel grateful to have chosen this path, to have explored new horizons together, and to have created memories that will stay with them forever.

More Chapters