Gone Forever

In Philadelphia, the Yarra River is bounded by a kind of strong embankment, the Southbank. Matthew had been in the area before. Located on the banks of the Yarra River and is one of the busiest centers in southern Philadelphia. To reach it he had to cross the Princes Bridges which connects Melbourne North and South. When night falls, the view is very beautiful from there. Matthew took the time to stop at one of the cafes located on the banks of the Yarra River, and he saw the ships crossing the river ---Philadelphia River Cruises--- which was filled with lights. He remembered the gondola boats crossing the Virginia River.

From there, too, he could see North Philadelphia --- where he lived ---, glaring in the darkness of the night. Thousands of light points from the houses, warm the night. City of lights. An office building where some of the lights were still on and some of them were off --- made him think of the blocks of the tetris game. The buildings cast a shadow on the surface of the Yarra River. The shadows are like an elongated spectrum of colors, swaying in the waves of the water. Beautiful indeed.

But it is nothing more than human artificial objects. Gradually Matthew felt tired of seeing him. He had had enough of devouring such sights in the city of Philadelphia.

Unlike Warrandyte. Anyone who likes things that smells natural, will definitely never regret visiting this place.

Matthew tried to dip his feet in the water. He was holding on to the vines growing on the slope of the river bank. Seen several black-headed ducks swimming back and forth. Sometimes pulled over when someone brought breadcrumbs to share.

It was as if his body had been thrown into heaven. He couldn't get a view like this in Philadelphia.

Warrandyte is also known as the historical city. This city is a gold-producing area when a wave of European refugees comes. Not only that, Warrandyte is a paradise for craftsmen and artists since 1980. The houses on the side of the road are easy to see --- a treat for the eyes. Unlike in Philadelphia where the houses seem crowded. It seemed like every day there was a new building, either on the side of the road, on top of another, or underground.

***

Matthew put down the newspaper he was reading just as a waiter approached him and placed his order on the table.

"Coffee with cream. Anything else you'd like to order?"

Matthew smiled and shook his head. He had to wait another hour or so when the road was getting deserted. Matthew wanted to be able to really enjoy the ride home. It's a shame to miss the sights along the way later.

He planned to spend the night at Kelly's house, Vera's cousin who lives in Lilydale. Warrandyte and Lilydale were closer than having to commute to Philadelphia.

Tomorrow morning is the announcement of applicants who enter the next selection. Of the fifty potential applicants, only five will be selected who will then be tested for health. If all of them pass, then the five of them will be able to go straight to work the following week. If you pass tomorrow, it means that the ticket to become an employee is already in hand. Matthew smiled. In a week he would get his new uniform.

"I know, it's my lucky day! I told you I'd get a lot today!" said a man sitting beside Matthew's desk. He patted the box he had placed on the floor. His friend sitting across from him laughed.

"I'm glad we can finally take something home with us. My wife made fun of me the other day when I said I was going fishing. She thinks fishing is a useless activity."

"They won't be able to say anything bad again if they find us coming home with a week's supply of side dishes."

"Hah.... I dunno! I'm not sure my wife is happy. She's allergic to fish!"

The man wearing a cowboy-style hat laughed. "Oh, huh...? No wonder he doesn't like it when you fish!" He then corrected the location of his drooping fishing hook. "Fortunately, Elaine didn't!"

Matthew looked at the two of them. That's right, he even just realized that people can do anything in this city. Fishing, hiking, cycling or horse riding. He also just realized that this city is thick with cowboy nuances. Moreover, this cafe, with almost all walls built of wood, as well as barrels piled up in the corner of the room. From the ceiling he could see a lasso string hanging. Whether for a specific purpose or just for decoration--- Matthew didn't understand.

On the way, he took the time to pass the wineries in Kenga Park. And he felt his heart was really anchored in this city. Green spread. The grapes are planted in patches on a vast plot of land of tens of hectares. The vines of the vines were wrapped around the wooden fences. Farmers are seen busy picking grapes and a small car transports two people across plantation beams while watching farmers do their jobs.

Matthew imagined Carren and Cassie would love to be here. Maybe this place is better for them. The air is clean and healthy. I don't have to worry about their health, Matthew thought. And suddenly his face turned cheerful. Yes! Why had it not occurred to him to ask them to move to this place? Matthew knew that Vera would not readily agree with his proposal. He knew his wife well. Vera doesn't really like change. And moving house for him is like changing history. But Matthew was sure that Vera's opinion would soon change when she actually saw this place. This city is like magic that will make people enchanted and want to live here forever.

Matthew got excited. He opened the newspaper again. He looks for information rubrics about houses for rent or sale. Rent prices here are of course lower than in Philadelphia.

***