Amala's Heritage

The Reunion

As the first gentle rays of the sun illuminated the picturesque port of Roy, Isla and Junichi emerged from the cozy confines of their hotel room. Isla's uncontainable excitement for the upcoming adventure was evident; her eyes fixed unwaveringly on the colossal vessel. The ship, securely moored to the port's electrical grid, exuded an air of quiet anticipation as if it, too, yearned to commence the journey that awaited them.

Isla had spent much time planning this reunion cruise with her high school friends, Sophia, Uppik, and Maria. It had been a good ten years since they had graduated. The group had arrived in Roy the night before, excited to make the most of their time before their cruise departed at 2 pm. Isla and Junichi's first stop was at the VasVril ice cream parlour. As they stepped inside, their eyes widened at the colourful ice cream flavours in the glass case. There were classic options like vanilla and chocolate and more exotic choices like rose strawberry and blueberry sapphire. Isla was determined to sample every one of the 40 flavours before deciding.

Junichi playfully taunted his sister, "Do you think you can handle tasting all 40 flavours, Isla?" Isla chuckled and retorted, "I don't want to miss out on any deliciousness." As Isla started sampling the different flavours, Junichi watched in awe as his sister's excitement never faded. She relished each spoonful, her face glowing with joy as she experienced the distinct taste of each ice cream. After trying 15 flavours, Isla's eyes landed on the mint chocolate ice cream. She hesitated for a moment, then decisively made her selection. Junichi gazed at her, astonished that she had chosen this one out of all the options. Isla danced with delight as she enjoyed her mint chocolate ice cream. She couldn't help but giggle at her brother's surprised look. Junichi shook his head with a smile and remarked, "I should have known you'd choose something unexpected, Isla."

As Junichi wandered into the stunning Piazza del Ragu, the grand cathedral's elaborate marble front soared into the sky, with its famous red-topped dome dominating the city's skyline. Their next stop was the Reya Gallery, where they were captivated by timeless masterpieces, such as "The Birth of Iris." Each brushstroke appeared to tell a story, transporting them back to a time of unparalleled artistic brilliance and endless creativity.

Isla and her friends were thrilled to experience the local cuisine in Roy. They decided to dine at a popular restaurant renowned for its traditional dishes. Upon arrival, they found a long queue. Isla's stomach growled with hunger. To pass the time, Isla purchased an assortment of local snacks, from savoury pastries to sweet treats, to keep them satisfied until they could sample the authentic Roy cuisine. After a wait, they were finally seated at the restaurant, eagerly perusing the menu with enticing descriptions of local delicacies. The shared joy of reuniting after so many years was palpable as they savoured each flavorful bite of their coconut-infused meals and indulged in the sweetness of tropical fruits. With a broad smile, Junichi produced three small glasses from his bag and handed them to Isla's friends. The delicate glasses, adorned with intricate hand-painted designs that Junichi had crafted himself, were a heartfelt gift for all three friends.

During high school, Isla, Sophia, Uppik, and Maria all belonged to a dedicated Science Club. They collaborated on a research project that held special significance for Isla. This project was significant to her as it focused on a heart condition that her brother Junichi struggled with. Junichi was born with Down Syndrome and also had AVSD, a condition characterized by a large hole in the center of the heart. Isla and her friends supported the local hospital in their research on early detection of congenital heart defects. They spent countless hours analyzing data, conducting experiments, and exploring various treatment options in the laboratory. Their hard work paid off when their research paper was published and received recognition.

Sophia stood out in the group, excelling in everything she pursued. She was deeply fascinated with calligraphy, drawn to the intricate and exquisite designs that could be created with just a few precise pen strokes. Immediately after graduating, her calligraphy business took off. She designed for local coffee shops and even grand palaces.

Uppik, a mechanical engineer, was often called the laziest person in his university. He would spend hours lounging around, much to the annoyance of his family and friends. However, there was more to Uppik than meets the eye. Despite his lack of interest in books and studying, he was naturally curious about how things worked. Whenever he got hold of something, he would take it apart and examine it until he understood every detail. He dedicated endless hours to tinkering with gadgets, striving to comprehend their functionality.

Maria chose to pursue a career as a pediatrician because of her deep-seated desire to help underprivileged children. She frequently travelled to remote and underserved areas to provide medical assistance to those in need. Despite her reserved nature, she could make people feel valued and understood, even without saying much. When she did speak, her words carried significant weight and influence. This was not because she was forceful but because she had a gift for getting straight to the point, never watering down her words or hiding the truth.