Isla Haraya: Maria (Published under IMMAC)

Chapter 7: Who Helps You?

Trigger warning: May contain sensitive topics such as death, sex, profanity, suicide, self-harm, drugs, alcohol, mental health, sexuality, etc. Please be guided accordingly and read at your own risk.

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A breath of fresh air. That was what the trip to Isla Haraya was to me.

Getting off the boat as we arrived at the island, there was a small wave of relief that washed over me. It was not enough to cleanse all the pain and negativity that I was carrying around but it was enough to paint a faint smile on my lips. And I would count it as a win.

"Welcome to Isla Haraya," the staff team greeted me as I stepped into the lobby. The reception had an island vibe to it with flowers and tropical plants, decorating the entire space with vibrant colors which I was not used to but I kind of liked them. I got so used to the gloomy weather and the plainly decorated space that I forgot how alive everything could feel with just a few pops of color.

Smiling back to the staff as I handed the printed details from my e-mail, I tried to appear as bright and happy as I wanted to be despite the weight on my heart and shoulders still pressing my spirit down. "Good day to you too. The weather seems nice today," I said, trying to make small talk. I was not used to it as well but I was in a new place and it just felt right to do things that I normally did not.

"It is po but there are days po that it's really rainy. We do have indoor activities too if ever," she said, smiling softly as she was typing up the details. There were not a lot of people as I looked around and she seemed to have noticed it. "We have a few guests this time of the year but I do hope you enjoy." She handed me the key before gesturing to another staff. "This is Lea. She will lead you to your cottage."

A woman probably around my age, if not younger or older, walked towards me and reached out to take my bag but I kind of felt bad having someone do things for me because I was not used to it. My parents always made sure that whatever I wanted or needed, I could and should do it myself.

With a smile, in the hopes that the woman who was called Lea would not feel offended by what I was about to do, I reached out to grab the handle of the luggage. "I can do it. Thank you."

Lea smiled back at me, respecting my choice. "I'll lead you to your room then," she said as she gestured for me to follow her which I did.

Looking around the place as I was led to the cabin that I booked, I kept on thinking if life could be that peaceful all the time. There was something about how the sun glowed in that place that made me feel like there was hope and I just was not able to see it in the city.

Maybe.

"Thank you so much," I said to Lea as we reached my cabin and she gave me a rundown of the rules and activities on the island, which was more than I saw online.

Lea made a small bow. "If there's anything you need, you can always call reception for anything," she reminded me before turning on her heels and walking away.

Closing the door, I turned to face the place where I would stay for the next few days. It was unfamiliar and yet it felt safer. But then again, new places and new people had that kind of effect sometimes. The wall and bridge between us and something or someone new is more like a blank canvas, waiting to be painted by stories and new memories. And new people could only judge us on what we would show and tell them with limited knowledge of our past.

And sometimes, that was all we want.

I tried.

I promise I tried.

To take a step back and breathe.

To look at the brighter side.

To see what the world can offer.