Destiny Island (editing)

Chapter 1

Amber's thoughts

I love it when the day is as beautiful as today. Some people may argue with me, but this is my kind of day. But I guess we all have different preferences, and that's okay.

The sun is shining, but it is not too hot. It's just the perfect temperature. The sun softly warms my face, and I love its comforting embrace, especially now that it's not as crushing as it can get in the peak of summer. Joy is coursing through my whole body, making me feel electrified: like I can fly, like I can do anything. It is an amazing feeling — being one with nature, something that is so rare in today's fast-paced society.

The wind is a soft caress on my face that still whips my hair across my face — I feel its cool touch, and though it obscures my vision, I don't mind. It soothes me, helping me enjoy the freedom from all obligations and restraints. I can spread my wings and fly away from everything — just a bird, one with the sky, refusing to land until my wings are sore. When I think about it, flying above the clouds must be exhilarating, reaching higher and higher... To see people as vibrant specks of color, I hope to broaden my perspective and understand how small my troubles are.

However, I am soon harshly brought back to the reality of my mundane obligations. All the tasks I need to do, all the things I have to remember. There are far too many for my overexcited mind, which can barely keep three things in memory, and I have so many more things to do.

What was I supposed to buy at the store? I already forgot. Why do I have to have such a short memory span? But then I remember some stuff forever, like my favorite songs. Strange...

Hm, let me think — bread, coffee... and ... I can't remember. Well, bread and coffee are the most important items, anyway. I'll remember the rest when I see it in the store. I'm sure it's nothing important.

Did I pack everything I need for tomorrow's trip...? Let me see — clothes, cosmetics... I prepared the money for the trip. The tickets are in a visible place... My passport is next to the tickets, ready to receive its first stamp ever. Is that even called a stamp? Who cares?

Oh, I should call Jade when I get home to check what she is packing. It will remind me of what I've forgotten. But she always packs too much of the fancy stuff. I don't need any of that.

This trip is going to be amazing! I can't wait! My first trip abroad! Who would have believed it would happen so late in life?

Will I be sick on the ship? Knowing me, I will, so I should buy some anti-nausea pills... They work like magic.

Huh, how did I buy all of this when I didn't even pay any attention to the store items? I guess I went on autopilot or something.

Did I forget something? I have a feeling that I forgot something. Oh, well, Mum will understand I'm too excited about the trip to worry about the ordinary stuff. Besides, I can always go back if I've forgotten something important.

Look at the sky! How beautiful it is! Its color is so fascinating — light blue with fluffy clouds for decoration. It's like a picture of a fantasy land, not like something you see in real life. I should take a picture to show Jade. She might appreciate it even more because of her artistic view of the world.

Ah, no. I don't have the time for that. It's better to call Jade before I forget and confirm what we should take with us. I should also check where and when we'll meet. It's better to tell her to meet me at eight o'clock because she is always late and the ship leaves at nine. I won't risk being left behind because she spent an hour putting on her makeup.

Wow, a twenty-day vacation abroad — how amazing is that! I am so excited! I will see so many wonderful things. And everything will be new to me. Cool!

Did I pack my ID? Oh, yes, it's in my wallet. Okay, I double-checked everything, so I should calm down. And how do I calm down? That was something no one ever bothered to teach me. They just say, calm down, Amber, their words echoing in my ears, but do they ever stop to consider if I possess the knowledge to do so? No, they don't. They just expect me to magically know how.

Breathe Amber! Breathe! Everything is fine. Oh, hey, I love this song. It's so lively and happy. Do I have any good music for the trip? Oh yes, I do, but I guess they will have amazing music on the ship as well. No need to worry then. If it were only that easy to stop worrying.

Hm, didn't they say we'll be passing near the Bermuda Triangle? How exciting! Unexplained phenomena and mysterious stories have always fascinated me, and there are so many strange occurrences in the Bermuda Triangle. There is the story of the Mary Celeste, the ship that was found without its crew or any signs of what could have happened to them, while the ship was intact. Many suggested connections to the Bermuda Triangle.

Another story is about the captain of Ellen Austin ship finding an abandoned ship, which he put a part of his crew on to take back to shore, but they separated, and during the separation, the crew who was on that ship disappeared like the original crew.

What if we get lost in there? Well, if I remember correctly, the brochure said that we would only pass nearby, so there is nothing to worry about. At least, I hope there is nothing to worry about.

Oh, my gosh! We might even see some dolphins! I love dolphins! They are so amazing! They are smart and fun to be around. One night, I even dreamed about them, although I have never seen them in person. It was the best dream I ever had! And I often have good dreams. I can still remember how amazing it felt to stroke the dolphin's sleek skin. Even though it was only a dream, I could feel its skin as if it were real. It was smooth and rubbery, quite different from what I expected. I felt happier than ever before because there is something majestic and beautiful about them.

People around me say they never use their sense of touch or any other senses except for hearing and sight in their dreams, and that it is impossible for me to do so, but I disagree. My dreams are much more vivid than other people's dreams — they are more like movies that can last for quite a long time and be very detailed. So, I did feel the dolphin's pleasing texture, and I hope to repeat that experience in real life, as well.

They might allow us to swim with dolphins or something. Who knows? Anything is possible. That would be a dream come true, literally. Ha, ha, ha.

Ups, I forgot to call Jade. I need to stop daydreaming and call her, or I'll forget again. We have to be on time and ready for an adventure! That's a must!