Tranquil Waters

Departure

Morning hit me like a truck.

I woke up to a slap in the face.

There was yelling everywhere, and it was getting quite persistent. I didn't want to deal with the noise, so I told the voices to shut up.

I felt a blunt impact on my solar plexus.

I forced my eyes to open, to see a golden brown head with big, brown eyes. She appeared to be skinny, yet had the right amount of meat to her. I wanted to pinch her. She had her foot on my stomach. It was Alice.

"Wake up!!! You've already missed the departure time!!! You're going to be late!!!"

I was supposed to wake up at a certain time to ensure that I would be able to arrive at the city during opening day, in which the gates would remain open only for the winter season, starting today, to be closed off for the next five years.

"Get off me..." I groaned. "I'll just run if I must."

Of course I wouldn't run, but worst case scenario I'd have to borrow a horse or something.

The time it should take me to arrive at the city is two months, but I knew of a shortcut that would take me there in two weeks. That way I could enjoy myself along the way. Though it would be a precarious trip, I would have to make do with whatever happened on the way.

I grabbed my bag and walked out the door. Alice was already at the fence that marked the territory of our home.

"Hurry up!"

It sounded as if she were eager to have me gone from the village.

I took my time walking to where she stood, then she suddenly grabbed me by the hand.

"If you're gonna walk that slow I'm gonna have to make you run!"

Just like that, Alice took off in a sprint, dragging me with her. I could barely keep up, she was way too fast for her age.

Her glutes contorted as her legs left the ground, leaving a trail of dust behind her. She began to build up speed, reaching a speed greater than the fastest horse in the village. I do wonder what she does to have such strong quads...

I managed to maintain a steady pace behind Alice, and wasn't left in the dust.

We arrived at the gate that would lead me out of the village. A crowd of people was there, all giving me their farewells.

"Thanks for helping out of the farm!"

"My kids and I are grateful for your babysitting skills!"

"Usain is in top running condition cause you fixed her leg! Thanks!"

As I was one of the few younger bodies that helped out in the village, I would help as many people as possible. I made quite a few wonderful memories with them all.

"Later." I wove my hand as I began to make my way out the gate. I could feel their gazes on my back. Really, I'm going to miss this village.

I glanced at Alice, who was still holding my hand.

She looked like she wanted to say something, but was too scared to speak.

"What's wrong, Alice?"

"Nothing." Her silence piqued my curiosity.

"I'm thinking it's best if I don't go after all...?"

"Really?!?!" Alice exclaimed, excitement back in her face.

"Just kidding." Seems like she wanted me to stay. "I need to go, and you know why."

"But- Okay, fine. Please take care over there." Spirits drained, Alice gave up.

'Hey, cheer up. By the time I get back, I can show you the outside world. Our promise, remember?" A few years back when my departure for the city was established, I made a promise to bring her outside, to show her the vast world that our village couldn't compare to.

Alice slapped her cheeks lightly and regained her energetic side.

"Alright! You better keep that promise or you'll have to swallow a thousand needles!"

I pat her on the head.

"I'll be leaving now. Try not to cause anymore trouble, okay?"

As children, Alice would always be causing mayhem, and I'd have to take the blame. She would put ribbons on all of the horses, took all the food reserves to feed a baby dragon she later released, and even stole the town bell to cure a Metal Giant of its sickness. The chief's anger was quite a sight to witness.

Thoughts collected, I began my journey as I stepped through the gates that kept me alive for the past ten years, not looking back.

I heard the distant farewells of the people I considered family and treasured deeply.

My journey begins now.