Chapter 1

As I walked along the sea shore in front of my auntie's house, a cold breeze gently caressed my skin, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. The peacefulness of the surroundings struck me profoundly, a stark contrast to the bustling life I had always known.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine finding solace in the tranquility of a countryside setting. My past was filled with the constant pursuit of parties, reveling in the company of loud crowds, the thrill of racing wheels, and the allure of hard liquor. But now, standing here on this serene shoreline, I marveled at the person I had become. Funny how life can change us in unexpected ways, leading us to embrace new facets of ourselves that we never knew existed.

Allowing myself to sink into the sand, I reveled in the sensation of its soft grains enveloping my feet. With each step, I could feel the gentle pull of the rushing waves as they retreated back towards the shoreline. It was as if the ocean itself was washing away the remnants of my past, cleansing me of the wild and reckless spirit that once consumed me.

Brookville. The name carried a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of my childhood days when my mother would bring me here to play by the seaside. Even then, I couldn't have fathomed that one day I would call this place home. The beauty of the island remained unchanged over the years, a constant source of awe and wonder.

Yet, there was one aspect of Brookville that grated on my nerves — the lack of reliable cellular signal and the absence of electricity at my auntie's house. It made me yearn for the comfort of a hotel room at the nearby resort, where I could indulge in modern amenities and lose myself in the world of video games.

But as I stood there, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature, I couldn't help but appreciate the simplicity that Brookville offered. The absence of distractions allowed me to truly connect with the world around me, to find peace in the gentle lapping of the waves and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

For the first time in my life, I'm very happy that there is no way everyone can reach me.

My gaze shifted towards a group of weathered fishermen unloading their boats with baskets overflowing with an abundant catch of fish. Their hands moved with practiced precision, their faces lined with the stories of countless journeys at sea. The clock had barely struck six in the morning, yet here they were, a dedicated group of fishermen, already hard at work.

"Oh, aren't you the niece of Emma?" The old lady in a maid's uniform greeted me with a warm smile. "I'm Lina, you can call me Aunt Lina. Did the noises wake you up? It's always like this here, darling. I'm sorry for the noise. People here are all early birds because, you know, the early bird catches the early worm." She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

I returned her smile, appreciating her friendly demeanor. "Hi, Aunt Lina, I'm Trisha," I replied. "No worries, I don't mind the noise. It's actually fascinating to see everyone so active this early in the morning."

Aunt Lina nodded, her eyes glancing towards the fishermen and their bountiful catch. "Oh, yes, they have quite a nice catch today, don't they?" she commented, her voice filled with admiration. "They work hard to provide for their families and the local community. As for the fish, some of it will indeed be taken to the nearby resort, while the rest will be distributed to the local market and households."

My curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer. "A resort?" I asked, a glimmer of excitement in my voice. Memories of my childhood visit to a resort flooded my mind.

Aunt Lina smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, dear. The resort is just a short walk from here. You should come by sometime. In fact, the owner is my boss, and I'm the one assigned to check the fish the fishermen catch for the resort. It's a wonderful place, and I think you'd enjoy the experience."

"Thank you, Aunt Lina. I'll ask Aunt Emma to accompany me some other time." I smiled at her.

Aunt Lina's smile grew wider as she nodded in approval. "That sounds like a splendid idea, dear. I'm sure your Aunt Emma would love to accompany you. Just let me know when you plan to visit, and I'll make sure everything is arranged for you."

A few moments later, Aunt Emma's voice echoed from the porch, calling me to have breakfast. Her warm tone carried a hint of excitement, and I could sense the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. It was a beckoning invitation that I couldn't resist.

Leaving the peaceful shoreline behind, I made my way back to Aunt Emma's house, my bare feet carrying remnants of the sandy beach. As I entered the cozy kitchen, the sight of a beautifully set table greeted me, adorned with plates filled with mouthwatering dishes and a steaming cup of coffee.

Aunt Emma's story had always intrigued me. She is my mom's little sister and despite coming from a wealthy family, she has chosen a different path, embracing a simpler and more fulfilling life in this coastal town. Her decision to settle down and build a local cafe near the University was a testament to her independent spirit and unwavering determination.

Her contentment radiated from within, and it was evident in every interaction we shared. Despite not having children or a husband, Aunt Emma had found happiness in pursuing her dreams and embracing the simple pleasures of life.

"Do you want to come to the cafe today?" Aunt Emma asked, placing a freshly cooked egg onto my plate.

I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. "Yes, Auntie, I'd love to. I feel like taking a leisurely stroll around."

Aunt Emma's concern seeped into her expression as she glanced at my half-packed bags nearby. "Are you sure, my dear? Shouldn't you finish fixing your things first?"

I shrugged, a carefree expression on my face. "I can do that later. Right now, I just want to enjoy the day and spend some quality time with you." I said and savored the delicious breakfast she made.

Aunt Emma chuckled, her laughter echoing through the kitchen as she playfully nudged my shoulder. "You always have such an appetite, my dear. Finish your breakfast so we can head to the cafe and open up for the day."

Aunt Emma's cafe had gained a reputation for its delectable pastries, and she would often rise early, hours before opening time, to meticulously prepare the baked goods. We had made an agreement since I started living under her roof - I would lend a hand at the cafe. She initially insisted that I should focus on my studies, but deep down, I knew I wasn't quite ready to dive back into academia. I yearned for a different kind of education, one that would unfold within the walls of the cafe.

Being 24 years old, I felt a sense of independence and a desire to carve my own path. And where better to start than by learning from Aunt Emma, a woman I had always admired and respected. There was so much I wanted to absorb from her, so much knowledge and skill I wanted to acquire.

As we prepared to leave for the cafe, Aunt Emma paused, her gaze filled with tenderness. "You know, your mom would be so proud of you," she whispered softly, her words carrying a weight of emotion. She enveloped me in a gentle hug, a silent affirmation of love and support.