Trip to the North (Riding the Bicycle)

1

(Previously known as Riding the Bicycle)

The breeze slaps coldly on my cheeks, even when the sun is high and mighty.

I am riding my bicycle, alone on a mountainside road. Beside the road is a cliff and below, a forest extends beyond the horizon. Looking up, the sky is clear and blue. I used to just watch this kind of scenery on TV. Nature can always calm my soul. Right now, it is the only thing that eases the chaos inside me.

***

I had consumed all the water I have, down to the last drop. I need to find a clean water source and fill my containers up again. I hope I could find a house or a free-flowing river but that seems vague since I have already been passing through this asphalt road for hours without even coming across any residence.

I ride my bike again and resumed my journey.

I smile as I feel the breeze on my skin. I don't care even if the sun gets hotter each passing hour. It doesn't matter to me that my skin has been tanned for travelling these past two months.

Oh, yes. Now that I think of it, it's already been two months since I've recklessly set out on this journey to the North. Back then, I was desperate. I needed to find something, or, someone. I don't know. All I know is, I need to get to the North.

Two months ago, I took my father's bicycle. I carried a backpack filled with some change of clothes, a water tumbler and a wallet with my pocket money and a card. I was foolishly confident that with all of those things, I can stand for myself.

But heavier than the things in my backpack, I also carried my feelings of hatred, shame and worthlessness. It was my mistake. I let my emotions take me over and I acted before thinking.

So now, I lost my home. I can't go back. I still don't have the courage. Maybe one day... or maybe not.