Solace

Part III: By the Sea

The next morning, Coral Island was bathed in the gentle glow of the sun as Isabel headed toward the beach. The sky was clear, with only a few wisps of clouds scattered across the expanse. The sound of waves lapping against the shore was soothing, and the salty breeze was invigorating. Isabel carried a small kit for testing the water, determined to get a sense of the conditions before she started fishing. She hoped to make the best of her time on the island and needed to understand the water quality.

As she approached the beach, she spotted Surya walking in the same direction. He carried a small container and a set of tools, which made it clear that he was there for similar reasons. His presence was a pleasant surprise. The morning sun highlighted his glasses and cast a soft light on his features.

"Surya!" Isabel called out, waving. "What a coincidence!"

Surya looked up, his face breaking into a friendly smile. "Oh, hi Isabel! I didn't expect to see you here. Are you planning to fish today?"

"Yeah, I wanted to test the water first," Isabel said, approaching him. "How about you?"

"I'm just collecting a sample for my lab work," Surya explained, nodding toward his container. "I'm testing the pH levels and other parameters. It's part of a project I'm working on."

The two of them walked to the dock together, the wooden planks creaking softly under their steps. They chose a spot to sit, where they could enjoy the view of the water. The morning light danced on the surface of the sea, creating a shimmering effect that was both calming and mesmerizing.

***

As they settled down, Isabel glanced over at Surya. "We didn't really get a chance to talk much when we first met."

Surya nodded, agreeing to what she said.

"So, Surya... What brought you to Coral Island?" Isabel asked, tucking a strand of her hair to the back of her ear.

Surya took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I finished my Master's degree in Biology in Jakarta, about a year ago. Well, it was quite a study and I learned a lot, but one day I enrolled for an elective course in marine sustainability and it was exhilarating!"

His eyes twinkled with passion, and then he continued, "The course went great and I, thankfully, got good grades. That's when I got the opportunity to join Ling's research project here from one of my professors. I was thrilled. I packed my bags and moved in with my uncle and aunt. It's been quite the adventure so far."

Isabel nodded, impressed. "That sounds exciting. What kind of work are you doing at the lab?"

Surya's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "I'm working on several projects, but one of the most interesting ones is developing a trash-collector machine for the ocean. Ling and I are hoping it will help clean up the seas and promote healthier marine life. We're still in the development phase, but I'm really passionate about it. I believe we can make a difference."

"That's amazing," Isabel said, genuinely impressed. "I've always admired people who work to protect the environment. It sounds like you're doing something truly meaningful."

Surya smiled, clearly pleased with her response. "Appreciate it, Isabel. It's been a lot of hard work, but knowing it could have a positive impact makes it worthwhile."

They both took a moment to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the beach. The sound of seagulls in the distance and the gentle crash of waves created a soothing background. The morning air was cool and fresh, and the warm sunlight added a comforting touch.

Isabel turned to Surya, curiosity evident in her eyes. "What about your family? Are they supportive of your work here?"

Surya nodded, a fond smile on his face. "Yes, they've been very supportive. My family lives in Jakarta, which is quite far. However, my mom, dad, and my two younger sisters, Maya and Anya, have always encouraged me. They were a bit worried when I moved so far away, but they understand how important this work is to me."

"That's wonderful to hear," Isabel said, smiling. "My father was a big part of my life, too. He's the reason I'm here—taking over his farm and trying to honor his memory. It's been a challenge, but hearing about your work makes me feel like we're both trying to make a positive impact in our own ways."

Surya looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "It's interesting how life brings people together, even when their paths seem different. We're both new here, starting fresh, but it's nice to know that we're not alone in our efforts."

Isabel nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's comforting to meet someone who understands the process of starting over. And it's inspiring to hear about your projects. Maybe we can help each other out as we navigate this new chapter."

Surya's smile widened. "I'd like that. It's always good to have someone to share experiences with."

***

They spent the next hour talking more about their lives and sharing stories about their experiences on Coral Island. Isabel learned more about Surya's passion for marine biology and his commitment to improving the environment. In return, Surya heard about Isabel's efforts to rejuvenate her father's farm and her dreams of making it a thriving part of the island community.

***

The sun is setting down, followed by the sky turning into a wonderful orange sky carpet. Surya took his samples and kits, followed by Isabel who got back from testing and analyzing the water. They both stood up and glanced at each other.

"I'll see you around?" Isabel said goodbye with a fair smile on her face.

"You will." Surya smiled back with a crinkle in the edge of his eyes, indicating a genuine smile.

The beach, with its serene beauty and the gentle rhythm of the waves, felt like a perfect backdrop for their new friendship. It was clear that their paths had crossed for a reason, and as they continued their work, both Isabel and Surya felt a sense of hope and connection, knowing they were not alone on their journey to start anew.