Farewell

It started with a full moon, the reflection glowing on the ripples of the ocean. The waves push through the edges of Otaki, a small island where there are more seagulls than people. 

The community lived among a forest of palm trees where small businesses, homes, and other amenities were mostly made from dry-leaf huts or wooden planked buildings.  

It was common for these buildings to have a lot of color to contrast with the greenery, for example, the clinic is bright teal. It was as if a piece of the sky had fallen, but at nightfall, all the colors were muted and felt to be the same shade. 

The only resident who lives on the sandy beach is the mayor. Every four years, there's a vote to select their leader and they get to live in the mayor's residence during their term. They take care of the people's well-being through community events and hearing their concerns. 

However, instead of a celebratory event, the people of Otaki have gathered at the sandy beach in silence. Everyone from children to adults wore white cotton clothing, the wind flowing through the people who were lined up side-to-side facing the ocean. 

The waves tickled their feet making the sand shift. There were two large torches behind the line, one on each side. The flame crankled softly, adding to the ambient sounds of the ocean.

A small white boat anchored up to shore with two men aboard with matching white attires. One of them pushed over a wooden plank on the side of the boat as a ramp. Some of the men who were standing in line, walked towards the boat to lend a hand. 

The patting of their feet against the wood and sand was heard as they carried out a palm-woven coffin. As the men began to walk along the shore, others carried torches that were lit by the two large ones from behind the line. 

Everyone soon followed and they began to softly chant.

"The sea brings us peace. 

In our death, we are at ease. 

To protect the ocean light, 

we now rest by moonlight...."

They soon arrived at one end of the island, small stones with engravings were scattered around. Some had native flower arrangements, and personalized items like framed photographs, while others had lit candles. 

Somewhere in the middle, there was a hole with two men standing on each end with shovels in hand. As they saw the group, they also began to sing along. 

People huddled around the hole as the men holding the coffin began to position themselves to lay it on the ground. The singing stopped once the men patted down the last pile of sand. 

The crowd parted ways for the Mayor to step up along with a young islander who carried a stone. 

Mayor Dansui was an elder in his early 70's. A proud dark-skinned man who values the island heritage, so much so, that it seemed to give him more height to his short stature. 

He held onto his wooden cane that had a little pineapple carving at the top with a tight grip like the one he felt in his heart. Even through his wrinkles, he'd smile brightly to his people, but his lips were sealed tonight with droopy eyes. 

Standing in front of everyone, he puts his other frail hand over his heart, taking a small breath before speaking.

"Thank you everyone for attending Emar Agwe's retreat. He was a kind-hearted citizen and a good friend of mine. We truly appreciate his committed work to being our island's lighthouse keeper. May he rest in peace...." 

The man next to the Mayor kneeled to gently place Emar's stone on the sand.

It read... Emar Agwe (19XX - 19XX) Our Island's Heart & Light

A few sniffled during the Mayor's speech as people remembered their time spent with Emar, an elder who would never hesitate to help them in their time of need. Many joked that perhaps he was born from a coconut because of how tall he was. 

He was an inspiration to many in being active with a good attitude despite his old age. The islanders sang again, retracing their steps back to where they came from, leaving behind the Mayor and the young man who placed the stone on the sand.

"Mayor Daisu... shall we go back?" 

The elder glanced up at the full moon as his grip loosened on his cane. 

"A moon as bright as this consoles the soul..." 

Daisu felt his heart softening as he took small steps towards the group with the young man tailing behind. 

Farewell...Emar.