The sea breeze brushed against my face, carrying a familiar scent of salt and adventure. It reminded me of my days in the Maldives—oh my God! I had so much fun swimming with sharks and dolphins back then. But right now? Right now, I couldn't understand why I was here.
"Come on! Why did you bring me to the seashore of all places? There are so many places in the world where we could get fresh air. Wait a minute… do you really think bringing me here will change the fact that you're a zero?" I scoffed, crossing my arms. "Bruh, I've been to so many beaches my entire life, and I bet you this isn't impressive at all."
I rolled my eyes, frustration bubbling within me. "I just completed college! You know I'm supposed to be with my friends at the club right now. So tell me, what the hell am I doing here? Talk before I run out of patience!"
Lesley, the one who had dragged me here, finally replied. "I brought you here because I know you would love to be here."
I scoffed. "What do you mean I would love to be here? Just because someone loves the beach doesn't mean they want to be here all the time."
"Yes," he said, his voice calm. "And that's why I brought you here. Because after finding out why, I bet you would love to be here—not all the time, but every second of your life."
His words sent a shiver down my spine. I frowned, curiosity getting the better of me. "Go on, I'm losing it. Tell me why I'm here."
Lesley exhaled and looked straight into my eyes. "You've been asking who you really are your entire life. Every time you try to find out, you fail. But just imagine—when you were a newborn, you were left at the seashore. Alone. Your step-parents found you and adopted you. They raised you near the sea, and it shaped your entire life.
"You love crabs and shrimps because they are your favorite seafood. But you hate eating fish because, deep down, something always feels off about it. Your whole life has revolved around the sea. You find hope and inspiration in it. Anytime you're sad, you come here to relax. And don't you think you should share your happiest moments with it too?
"That's selfish, don't you think? You graduated successfully, and if the sea had legs, it would have surely come to your graduation. It's exciting to see your child graduate, isn't it? At least smile at it and tell it—you did it!"
His words hit me like a wave. I stood there, stunned. "Wow… incredible," I murmured, feeling a lump in my throat. "I've even forgotten… but better late than never, huh?"
Then, taking a deep breath, I turned towards the vast ocean and shouted at the top of my lungs, "I DID IT, FAMILY!"
The moment those words left my lips, a powerful wave surged from nowhere. The sky darkened, and everything around me vanished into nothingness.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the presence of two beautiful women—one elderly and one young. Their faces held an unearthly glow, and their eyes were filled with warmth.
"Are you okay, my grandchild?" the old woman asked.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied softly, still disoriented.
"Sorry, the wave was too strong. We got carried away with excitement and didn't think about anything else," the younger woman said apologetically. "We heard you've finally graduated from college and are about to start your own life. But don't forget—you can always come here whenever you need help, okay?"
I nodded, still trying to process everything. "What are your names?"
The old woman smiled. "I'm Lucy, but I prefer you call me Granny Lucy."
I chuckled. "Can't believe you're old now, huh? But okay, Granny Lucy." I turned to the younger woman. "And you?"
She gave me a kind smile. "Call me Fortune Mother… or Godmother, if you prefer."
"Okay," I replied with a small smile. They helped me to my feet, but something nagged at me. "Wait… I came here with someone."
"Oh, that Lesley boy?" Godmother asked.
"Yes," I said, my brows furrowing. "I was standing here with him before the wave hit."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, you'll see him. He told us he had to rush to the hostel to pick up some items."
That made me pause. "Wait… how do you know his name?"
Godmother blinked. "Oh, um… he told us. Probably. I'm even surprised I remember it—I don't usually keep names in my head like that. But he's hardworking, you know. I can see he would do anything to make you happy." She smiled knowingly. "Don't lose him. He's a good companion. You both can make the world a better place together."
A strange feeling settled in my chest. "Wow… I must have been unconscious for a long time. Did he tell you about himself too, or what?"
Granny Lucy suddenly straightened, her tone turning firm. "It's getting darker. Soon, it will be midnight, and the sea gods rise at this time. You should leave now."
A chill ran down my spine. "O-okay… bye then."
I turned and left, glancing back one last time. Their figures stood against the moonlit sea, watching me.
The Missing Link
When I finally reached home, I called Lesley. No answer.
I tried the hostel next. "He never came here," they told me. "He left nothing behind."
My stomach twisted. Where did he go then?
Why did those two women lie? How did they know his name and personality? Who were they really?
For three whole weeks, those questions tormented me. Then, one evening, a knock sounded at my door. My heart pounded as I opened it.
There he was—Lesley.
"Hey, boy! Where have you been all this time?" I demanded.
He scratched the back of his head. "Uh… I went to visit a friend nearby for his birthday slumber party. Sorry I couldn't wait for you to wake up before I left." He hesitated. "By the way… how are you doing?"
I narrowed my eyes. Something wasn't right.
And I was going to find out what.