Isabel Eirqa, a newcomer to Coral Island, takes over her late father's farm, seeking solace and purpose. She befriends Surya Widjojo, a scientist grieving his mother's recent passing. As Isabel and Surya navigate their new lives, they develop a deep...
It was a quiet evening on Coral Island, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting warm, golden hues over the tranquil landscape. Surya sat alone in his room, his phone pressed to his ear as he listened to his father's voice on the other end of the line. The conversation was one he had been dreading, but it was inevitable.
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"Dad, how's Mom doing?" Surya asked, trying to keep his tone steady, though he could already sense the answer.
There was a heavy pause before his father spoke, his voice trembling slightly. "She's not doing well, Surya. The doctors say it's getting worse. Your sisters... they can't come back, not with their work and families. We really need you here."
Surya's heart tightened, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders. He had always been close to his family, even though his life on Coral Island kept him away. His sisters were living abroad, too far to return on such short notice. That left him—he was the only one who could be there for his parents.
"I'll come back, Dad," Surya said softly, his voice filled with determination. "I'll be there as soon as I can. I'm going to ask Ratih about the boat departure schedule for tomorrow."
His father's relief was palpable, though it was tinged with sadness. "Thank you, son. I know it's a lot to ask, but your mother needs you. We all do."
Surya swallowed the lump in his throat. "It's not too much to ask, Dad. I'll take care of everything here and leave tomorrow." He paused and continue, "Dad, everything will be okay. Don't forget to take care of yourself. I'll call Maya and Anya tonight, trying to talk through this."
Surya's father voice cracked, almost crying himself to tears. "I don't know what can we do without you, Surya."
After a few more words of reassurance, Surya ended the call, staring out the window at the fading light. The peacefulness of the island felt distant now, replaced by a growing sense of urgency. His mother was ill, and he needed to be with her, but the thought of leaving Coral Island, even temporarily, weighed heavily on him.
***
The next morning, Surya went to the lab early to prepare for his departure. He knew he needed to pack his work, so he could continue remotely if needed. The lab, usually a place of comfort and familiarity, now felt cold and sterile as he moved through it, gathering his research notes, samples, and equipment.
As he packed, his mind raced with thoughts of his mother's condition, his father's worry, and the frustration he felt toward his sisters for not being able to help. He understood their circumstances, but it didn't make the situation any easier to bear. The anger simmered just below the surface, mixed with a deep sadness he couldn't shake.
Just as Surya was placing a stack of papers into his bag, he heard the door open behind him. He turned to see Isabel standing there, holding a book in her hands. Her expression softened when she saw him, noticing the tension in his posture and the weariness in his eyes.
