Chapter Twenty-One (Aunt's Concern)

Daniel drove Isla home and bid her farewell, mentioning that he would pick her up every morning for work. She was thrilled about this new task and eager to continue the work she had started—it was the dream of her father and mother alike. 

When she entered the house, she found her aunt sitting on the chair, her face pale and sorrowful. Isla placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and asked: 

- "Auntie, what's wrong? You seem sad." 

The aunt replied: 

- "It's my son, George. Once again, he's delaying his visit. He doesn't miss his mother. He's spent his whole life indulging in leisure and wasting time." 

Isla responded softly: 

- "Don't worry, Auntie. He'll come around. Let him be; he's at the age of carefree fun. Surely, he'll return to you when he needs the comfort only a mother can provide. After all, you're the only mother he has in this world." 

Isla offered her some comfort, reassuring her that she would always be there for her. They shared dinner together, with Isla recounting some of the funny stories she had shared with Iris. She was trying to bring a smile back to her aunt's face. Indeed, her aunt did smile, especially as she watched Rocky leaping between them, playing as if he missed his freedom and the wide open spaces he had enjoyed on the island. Isla knew that Rocky, too, was suffering from a sense of loss, yearning for his original home. He had lost the most precious thing he used to cherish every morning—the pure, unpolluted air. 

Isla managed to lift her aunt's spirits. She kissed her goodnight, wished her and Rocky a restful evening, then climbed the stairs to her room in search of sleep. Yet, the image of her father continued to haunt her every night. He had left a profound and unerasable mark on her heart. 

Now, Isla was trying to piece herself together and adjust to this new life that had been chosen for her—one she hadn't chosen herself. 

She lay down on her bed and turned off the light, filled with hope to wake up to a brighter tomorrow. Excitement coursed through her veins for the new job she had taken on, eager to complete what her father had started and fulfill the dream he had tirelessly worked toward. He had spent his life conducting countless experiments, seeking solutions to protect the marine creatures dwelling in the ocean depths from the pollution caused by human hands. 

But will she succeed?