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CHAPTER 19: Day Seven
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The Secret Island CHAPTER 20: A Date
Martin was always proud of himself for being a master of all situations. But today was not the day. “Martin, hold my hand! You can’t just let me hold your hand, and you are reacting or doing anything.” “Hmm, yes, sure.” He tightened his grip. Her hand was in his, soft and delicate, and he didn’t know if he had done anything wrong. This was just handholding. He was not in kindergarten. There was no need to be this innocent about something so small. His behaviors were strange to even himself. He wasn’t this clumsy if it was someone else. Although he hadn’t gone on any date for a while, once he was on one, he was sure not this awkward. He was quite angry with himself for not being in control. He didn’t need to spend much brain power to contemplate for any reason for long—it was clear that she was the first that declared her intention and feeling so deliberately. Her stance on our relationship was so deliberate that he felt guilty. He felt guil
The Secret Island CHAPTER 21: A Kiss
They were holding hands during the walk home. Martin took a casual stroll and even asked Celine to appreciate the view a bit more. He had never been this observant of nature for its beauty before. But the moon was full, the sky full of stars, and all of the heavens reflected in the ocean surface. He wanted her to see all of it. Not much was said during this stroll home. No words were necessary, he felt her warm body beside him, and that was enough. Once they reached home and Martin closed the door, he couldn’t help himself but ask, “So you are rushing to bed so early?” For some reason, the thought of her being feisty and retorting with her quip during dinner was still on his mind. He didn’t want to be the man who was lost in a conversation, especially with her. It might be his pride, it might be his ego, but he didn’t want to be a timid man on a date. “Yes? You know this is usually the time I go to bed. It’s late.” She seemed confused about his chan
The Secret Island CHAPTER 22: The Therapist
At a clinic for psychological therapy. Five months ago. “Good morning, Martin. Nice to meet you. I have read your file. So, since this is the first session and our first-time doing therapy together, I need to inform you that there is nothing to worry about. I want you to tell me more about what you are feeling, just like you are talking to a friend or writing a diary. Everything you said here is completely confidential.” A female counselor sitting at an upholstered chair in front of him began the conversation. This was not new to him, coming to see a therapist. In fact, she was the first person he talked to in a while.She looked relaxed and slightly moved her glasses as she waited for his reply. Martin didn’t look at her. He was busy reading the many diplomas behind the counselor. She was a professional therapist, alright. He didn’t doubt her expertise. But he doubted his own sanity. He never knew anyone that sought out helps from therapists, at least to his knowledge. Maybe
The Secret Island CHAPTER 23: Good Morning
After last night's date, Martin woke up feeling refreshed, like he hadn’t felt in a long time. Last night was the first night Martin didn’t have a nightmare. He remembered he even had a good dream; what a strange blessing.For many months, even if there was nothing under his control, but at least for now, for just this short moment, Martin didn't care about anything else. How could he think of anything else when her soft kiss on his lips still occupies his every thought?While humming and tying his shoes before heading out for a morning run, the door to Celine’s bedroom opened, and he was surprised to see a sleepy Celine woke up unusually early. Normally, it would be at least another two hours until she wakes up.“Martin…” Her eyes opened wide. She must have been flabbergasted by meeting his eyes the instant she opened the door.“Good morning. You woke up early today. Are you interested in going for a run with me?” He gave her a broad smile, but she only looked at her hands.
The Secret Island CHAPTER 24: Bang, Bang.
Celine must be confused to open the door to see him sitting in silence and stressed out alone. After hanging up the phone, he tried to read a book to relieve stress, but nothing made him feel better. “Martin…” She called out softly, and Martin looked up at the young woman who was like a light in a dark tunnel to him. In his dark world, that was what she was…hope. He hoped to be happy like everyone else. Martin forced a smile at her. His brain ordered out a smile, but his mind was too fatigued to follow through. “I only went into the bedroom for a short while. Has anything happened while I was gone?” She asked with genuine concern, but he felt too miserable to reply. Celine walked slowly towards him and hugged him. “No, please don’t do this. Is there anything I can do for you at all?” She hugged him and gently patted his back to comfort him. Martin hugged her back. He buried his face against her thin shoulder and whispered softly.“Just
The Secret Island CHAPTER 25: The Deal
Summer love refers to love that occurs in a short time during a vacation or holiday. It has meaning for memories. But in the end, it will eventually be over. Celine wasn’t sure whether she was experiencing some sort of summer love syndrome; she was fascinated with the tenderness of Martin’s kiss and the warmth of his embrace. Everything that happened was challenging to understand. He didn’t tell her much about the incident unless he had recurring nightmares from it. No elaboration was offered, and he wasn’t on the stage that could tell her more. She didn’t know what to ask out of respect for his privacy. Being a stubborn person, she insisted on staying with him, staying close to him. She loved being near him, at least until our time together was over. She vowed not to care about his past if he didn’t feel comfortable sharing. And no matter how curious she was, she would keep all the questions to herself.Yesterday, she knew a little more about him. Even if i
The Secret Island CHAPTER 26: Day Nine
Celine had a personal motto that she could get anything she wanted. And she got everything she wanted since she could remember. Sometimes, even before she asked for it.But she knew that this time was different. Relationships are complicated. She couldn’t own a person.For Martin and her, their feelings were unnamed, and the relationship was labeled with a short-term status. We both knew when it would end. She tempted fate and waited to see what was to happen.A risky experiment for her heart.Celine looked at her ‘new boyfriend’ and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Martin’s face turned red. He looked to his left and right, figuring out whether anyone was watching. We were strolling along the pier, seeing the townspeople and tourists walking past.“Isn’t kissing me in front of plenty of people a bit too much?”“Not really. Why? Are you shy? I just wanted to kiss my boyfriend, and there was nothing to be ashamed about that. We don’t have that much time together. My boyfriend is also
The Secret Island CHAPTER 27: The Therapist II
Martin had always been happy with his planned and organized life. He had good grades. He was a class valedictorian. He went to one of the leading universities. And he worked for a top company that offered extremely high pay. He could never imagine, in his wildest dream, getting that much in a month. He achieved everything he set to do from a young age. It was beyond his wildest dream and more. But all of that, in the end, can't save him from the harsh realities of the business world. A sky-high profit that caused innocent people to die… in front of him.The Second Therapy Appointment “Sit as you feel comfortable. Take it easy. Think about the events of that day again, Martin. I know that all this is difficult. But in the healing process and for you to heal, you have to understand the past and accept it as it was.” The therapist told her, and her voice calmed him down. He took a deep breath and exhaled. He was sitting on the upholstered chair; the whole room was dimly lit
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