A String Of Soul

1st String

A String of Soul @2025 by Ree Taaca

Ever since I came here, going to the beach has always been a routine of mine. I would always wake up at three in the morning, take a hike for fifteen minutes, and then I would be at the beach. I would aimlessly walk along the seashore, waves crashing down my feet. I would even stay until sunrise to play random songs from my guitar or compose songs.

For some reason, being at the beach calms me. The scent of the beach, the sound of waves, and the cold breeze keep my mood up. That's why whenever I have a lot in my mind, I will always come here, and after a few minutes, I feel better.

I was sitting idly in the nipa hut, waiting for the sunrise, when I heard a small voice calling my name from a distance. It turns out it was my cousin, Gavin. I waved my hand to let him know where I am, and he immediately spotted me.

"Staring at the beach again? What's your reason this time?"

"I'm doing my morning routine, no special reason whatsoever. Why are you out here? She'll be worried, you know."

"Well, I wanted to see my cousin before I go. And I have a message from the President."

The mere mention of him makes my skin tingle. You can't blame me, though. I went through a lot because of him.

"So, what does he want?"

"He's inviting you to the family dinner tomorrow. He also invited your sister. He said it was granny's orders." I let out an exasperated sigh. Gavin must've noticed it as he did the same.

"It's so messed up, this family. One has forsaken his two beautiful daughters for his mistress and step-daughter, and the family head bats her eyes and watch as everything unfolds. It was a mess."

"But you still served this family, right?"

"Well, I still believe that her sacrifice is still worth it. Who knows? Things might slowly change. We're just too preoccupied to notice it." He shrugged, but it felt different. It's like there another meaning behind that shrug. As if he knows something that I don't.

Silence lingered for a moment as I pondered on what he meant by those words. A few moments later, he stood up and offered to go home. And since it's already half-past five, I took up his offer, and we went home together.

'He didn't even ask me that question. Well, I guess he didn't want to trigger anything. I wonder if they still remember that day, though.' I blurted out in my mind as I took one last glance at the view in front of me.

Aria, my best friend and Gavin's fiance, is waiting at the door, waiting for our arrival. Gavin immediately ran towards her, giving her a tight bear hug. Seeing them like this made me smile.

"Breakfast's served guys, eat first before you go." We gave her a thumbs up as we went inside the house. Aria prepared a simple breakfast: ham and egg-fried rice. We ate peacefully, with the usual banter from the couple in front of me. I just let out a chuckle as I watch them make fun of each other.

And for the past three years, this has been my morning cup of tea. It's simple, but it means a lot. And I'll do anything to keep it this way. After having breakfast, Gavin bid us both farewell, taking his suitcase in the process. After seeing him off, Ariah and I went to our own business: Me, packing my things, and Ariah clearing the table and doing the dishes.

Due to personal reasons,  I'm moving back to A country despite Gavin's refusal. But before that, I have to wrap up some things there before returning for good. And I still have to give my end of the bargain to Grandma.