ENVISAGED

1

The glaring light of the sun immediately burned his eyes, making him put back the sunglasses he just removed. It was already 2pm and though the Sun is already past its zenith, its rays didn't give everyone an easy time in doing what they have to do under it. The busy people entering and exiting the Mukho Passenger Terminal were either holding an umbrella to protect themselves from the heat or have no choice but to endure it-just like him.

Yato looked around, looking for the right boat he'll be riding before looking back to the boat ticket his mother put on his packet earlier that day before he went to his class. He saw his boat will start sailing at 2:30pm, and the last trip for that day as the ride will take 3hours to Ulleung-where his family already went to this morning.

He cannot miss that boat or he'll have to wait for tomorrow's first boat-which should not happen. He had been very busy for this past year that he had already turned down a remarkable number of his mother's requests to go out together as a family. He wanted to make it up to her for this weekend at least-it's her birthday after all.

Luckily, it didn't took him more time to find his ride. Checking his wristwatch, he saw he only has 5 more minutes before the boat will finally take off.

He cursed under his breath for leaving from his college a little late. It took him more time than expected to leave and the ride from Seoul to Donghae where the Mukho Passenger Terminal located also took him some time. He immediately gave his ticket to the person assigned in collecting and went up to the boat. He looked for a seat where he can settle himself and found a vacant one beside an old petite woman, wearing a bright smile while looking at the calm sea.

The boat is not that huge, probably because the island they're heading is also small and the number of its visitors isn't large. There is roughly 30 passengers including the crew that unfortunately have to sit and cram in shoulder-to-shoulder closeness due to the lack of space. If only he isn't in need to please his mother, he would've rather go to Jeju than in Ulleung as this will be his third time traveling to an almost isolated island. He knows first hand how hard it is to travel in small islands like Ulleung.

Unfortunately, his mother always wanted to explore a new place, a new view for an adventure so he has no choice but to comply-it's the least he could do now.

He sighed miserably. At least he wasn't totally forsaken by the heavens yet. He still has a space to sit on atleast.

"Good afternoon. Is this seat already taken?" He politely asked, bowing a little to the elderly woman as a sign of respect while securing his backpack on his shoulder.

"Oh no, dear. It's vacant. Please take it," she smiled widely at him and patted the seat beside her.

He smiled back a little. "Thank you", he mumbled and sat on the seat which she only answered with another kind smile.

Her smile made him think that maybe if only everyone were as kind as her, if only his professor was as kind as this woman, his lessons would've been a lot easier for him, but of course he's not that lucky, and he doesn't have any choice but to gulp it all in. That thought made him sigh again which catched the attention of the elderly woman.

"Having a rough time, dear?" She softly asked, her wrinkled face portrayed concern.

"Not more than I can take, maam," he smiled. "Thank you for your concern," he added.