1 CHAPTER ONE
Not so common does Kimberly wake and gets up early in the morning. The room lit as blue as sea as reflected waters of the beach touched the walls’ surface. It is her first time to be out of town only with her sister. Never had she expected to have taken this trip sooner. This luxurious vacation in Coron, Palawan was, after all, a graduation surprise from her parents.
After a few light-stretches, she glanced at her sister⸻ Kate⸺ soundly sleeping on the same bed. Seeing her sister being peaceful at what she does best, she took an initiative to slide the curtains shut before sunlight amplify the room. Her thoughtful gesture was immediately nulled by the soft doorbell sound for Kate, having doubled senses during sleep, groaned in annoyance.
Outside, a radiant lady stood in uniform holding a cart of complementary breakfast. Kim quickly received the cart and thanked her. As soon as the young woman walked away, she hanged the “Do not disturb” sign in front.
“We forgot to put the sign out front.” Kim said whilst pushing the cart toward the table. Kate, who remained annoyed, didn’t respond. “Dress up later. We’re having lunch outside,” she added.
Her sister replied with a groan followed by instant silence, proceeding with the nap.
Oppositely, Kim didn’t want to waste another minute. Therefore, decided to prepare early to savor the morning view alone.
Yet, her vanity hour was a sore. The sun had almost risen to its peak by the time she had finished. Thus, the need to switch from loafers to plain white sneakers that weren’t the best combination with a tank tube top and palazzo pants. She also added another layer of sun cream, making her skin stickier. The carefree stroll had shifted into a thermal protection scheme.
Never to be discouraged by ill-fate, even through the scorching heat, Kim continued. Quietly exiting the room and entered the lift. She inspected herself through the mirror walls and saw her glistening face because of the dry heat. Whilst wiping her sweat, the elevator doors opened simultaneously. Luckily, no one is around to see. She put on her straw hat and casually took off. As she trotted toward the exit, she intersected with a tall foreign tourist having a cool walk. The fellow was wearing a white shirt, knee-length pants, and sneakers, topped with a pair of sunglasses reversely hanging on his ears down his nape. With the sight of him, Kim’s waddle shifted into a pathetic catwalk that, in no doubt, was unnoticed as he continued to look and walk straight. Both parted ways upon stepping outside as the boy went west and the girl headed east.
Despite the heat, the Island did not disappoint. The clear water by the shore turned blue along its distant stretch, green hills emerged in the middle of the sea. No better description than breathtaking.
After taking a ton of similar photos of at most fifteen sceneries, Kim headed back to view the other side of the isle. The blistering heat started to compel more sweat from her body, and only the sea breeze was, somehow, holding her together. She wiped her face to at least save the make-up.
As she walked on the fine and hot sand, she spotted a group of tourists casually enjoying the sea. Their enthusiasm was undeniably contagious that Kim enjoyed the view of them just laughing and walking around the shore. But seconds past with growing peculiarity. It seemed as if she was staring at familiar faces.
This can’t be true.
