On the Run: Escape to Explore

CHAPTER - 9 Farewell in the Making

The next few days went by in a blur of activity. Arlo, true to his words, introduced us to the other volunteers, and soon we were a part of a small but vibrant circle of friends.

Sana and I quickly mixed up with everyone. Our days were filled with tasks that ranged from organising supplies to brainstorming event ideas.

Although we were having the best days of our lives, we knew we had so much more coming. We knew we weren't going to settle for this. We wanted more-more of whatever we loved doing or having.

As the event drew closer, excitement filled the air. We spent our days running around the center, coordinating with the team, and ensuring everything was in place. Sana and I would often steal moments to rest by the river in the afternoons.

The event was a community celebration with food stalls, music, and games for kids, and seeing it all come together made us feel like we were really part of something special.

When the day finally arrived, it was perfect. The center was alive with laughter and chatter, the food was delicious, and everyone was having a great time.

Sana and I ran a booth together, serving drinks and snacks, while Arlo and the rest of the volunteers mingled with the crowd.

As the sun set and the celebration drew to a close, we couldn't help but smile at what we'd accomplished.

Later that evening, when the event was over, we sat in the community center with Arlo and the others, relaxing after a job well done. Everyone was laughing, sharing stories about the day, and basking in the success of the event.

As the conversation began to wind down, Sana and I exchanged a glance. It was time.

"Arlo," I began, breaking the comfortable silence. "We've been thinking about something, and we wanted to tell you all. We've loved every moment here-working with everyone, getting to know the community. But we've decided it's time for us to move on after this."

Sana chimed in, her voice steady, "We're planning to leave for Marina Sands soon. It's been on our minds for a while, and we feel like it's the next step for us. There's more out there we want to explore."

The room grew quiet for a moment, the news sinking in and I felt a surge of bittersweet emotion. These people had become like family in such a short time.

One of the volunteers, Mia, chimed in. "Wow, that's a big move. But I get it. I wish you both best of luck."

Arlo looked at us, a mixture of surprise and understanding in his eyes. "I get it," he said softly. "You've got your own path to follow. But we're really going to miss having you both around."

"We'll miss you too," Sana said, her voice tinged with emotion. "But we're not leaving right away. We'll stay to help wrap things up from the event and spend a little more time with everyone."

Arlo gave us a warm smile. "That's good to hear. You'll always have a place here, you know."

The others nodded in agreement, and for the rest of the night, we continued talking and laughing, sharing stories about the day's successes and challenges.

As we walked back to the lodge later that night, the streets of South Caba were quiet and peaceful. I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The community center had given us so much more than just a place to work-it had given us friends, a sense of purpose, and memories we would carry with us forever.

"I'm really going to miss this place," Sana said quietly, glancing up at the starry sky.

"Me too," I replied. "But Marina Sands is waiting. And I have a feeling that whatever comes next is going to be even more amazing."

We walked the rest of the way in silence, knowing that our time in South Caba was coming to an end, and enjoying every moment we could before moving forward.

~~~

Thank you so much for reading this chapter!

I'd love to hear your thoughts-how are you liking the story so far? What do you think about Arlo and his role in the journey? Do you think he might play a bigger part in the future? And what do you think is going to happen when Alya and Sana head to Marina Sands?

Feel free to share your predictions, and stay tuned for the next chapter!