The Oatmeal and the Island

"The next departure is at 5 P.M.," said the associate at the ferry terminal.

Hyeon was supposed to take the 11:00 A.M. ferry in New Zealand from Bluff to Stewart Island. Going by boat was the only method to get to that secluded place.

"Are you sure there are no other times before then?" his voice hitched from the looming panic. Hyeon wasn't one to be late, especially for a job.

"I'm sorry, but there are no other scheduled leaves between now and five I recommend buying your ticket now and wait nearby. If you miss the 5 P.M. ferry, the next one is tomorrow morning," stated the woman, not caring about Hyeon's urgency.

He inwardly groaned and purchased a ticket for the evening ride. Grabbing his suitcase and Nammi's carrier, he sat on the bench outside the terminal. There was no choice but to do what she said and wait.

Hyeon took Nammi from her mini prison and placed her on his shoulder, a spot she preferred when he did house chores. He poked her forehead. "This is your fault."

Nammi trilled as her hunting instincts locked on the birds overhead.

There was a reason for being late. Earlier, he was ready to leave for the morning ferry until she somehow escaped from their hotel room. After scouring the building, he found her in the small cafeteria, munching away on her favorite human food on the buffet table. The hotel staff and guests were freaking out over a fuzzy creature with its face submerged in the oatmeal pan.

The embarrassing event had set him back thirty minutes.

BZZZ. Hyeon felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. His stomach dropped when he saw a text message notification from his new manager.

'How is the ride? The cost of the ticket will be reimbursed.'

He replied, 'An emergency happened at the hotel so I missed the ferry. I'm very sorry. The next departure is at 5 P.M.'

He didn't get a response back, so he assumed the manager was probably peeved.

As Hyeon stared at the ocean with clear skies above, he wondered how he even got this job. It was a high-end servant position, but his resume didn't have the experience to be considered for such a salaried job. He applied for the heck of it, messing around.

It must have been the location. Stewart Island was the southernmost island in New Zealand and had less than 400 people. It wasn't the most in-demand place to work, especially for someone like him who obtained a one-year working visa. Usually, foreigners wanted to go to big cities.

He was genuinely surprised when this company requested a video interview and was offered the gig. Hyeon hesitated to accept, but an inner voice told him to say yes – a sixth sense if you will.

The day went by until it was time to board the old boat. There weren't a lot of people - only himself and a family with a young child who looked like Cartman's twin from the South Park TV show.

Once they were almost to the island, the kid noticed Nammi. "What's that? It's so weird! What's in your big suitcase? Are you moving to the island?"

Hyeon, grasping the bars on the side to steady his balance, wasn't in the mood since he had motion sickness. He didn't need a mirror to know his face was green.

"She's my cat. My suitcase has spring and summer clothes since I'm living there temporarily."

"What about winter stuff? Why did you only bring summer clothes? Won't you be cold?"

"Because it will be hot soon."

The father overheard their conversation with a worried expression. He asked, "Where are you from originally?"

"I recently just got to New Zealand from Canada."

With realization, the man replied, "Son, the seasons are opposite on this side of the world. Your summer is our winter and vice versa. In other words, March through May is autumn, and June to August is winter. I suppose you can check the outdoor shop for winter supplies. Where are you staying-"

BERRRR. Everyone jumped at the airhorn sound. They were approaching the island.

As the ferry slowed down to dock, Hyeon began to feel nauseous and light-headed. His vision turned spotty. Was this really motion sickness?

The ferry gave off another BERRRR sound.

He lost consciousness.