Day 6: On the Way

Zick waited seated in the living room of Zai’s house.

His backpack rested between his feet, his hands placed over his knees. The place was quiet, interrupted only by hurried footsteps and the sound of zippers closing.

From the hallway, Kori and Zai could be heard finishing packing.

—Did you bring the charger? —Zai asked.
—Yes —Kori replied—. And you?
—Me too.

Zick glanced at the clock. He wasn’t in a hurry, but he felt that slight tension that appears before going somewhere unfamiliar.

Suddenly, a car horn broke the calm.

Zai ran to the window and looked out.

—They’re here! —she shouted excitedly when she saw the minivan parked outside—. Let’s go, Kori!

—I’m coming!

Kori stepped out of her room with her backpack on her shoulder, but paused in the middle of the hallway. She looked around, mentally checking if she’d forgotten anything. Everything was in order.

—All good —she murmured.

—Zick, let’s go! —Zai called from the door.

Zick stood up and the three of them went out.

When they opened the door, the minivan already had its side door open. Inside and outside were their friends.

—These are Joshep, Fabio, Astrid, and Lucy —Zai said, pointing to them one by one.

—Nice to meet you —Zick said with a slight bow.

—Hey, Zick —Joshep replied, smiling—. We saw the drawing you made of Zai. It was amazing.

Zick looked surprised.

—Thanks…

—Yeah, man —Fabio added—, you’ve got talent. Anyway, hop in.

Zai and Kori entered first. Zick followed, sitting near the window.

And so the trip began.

The steady movement of the vehicle and the low music quickly took effect. Little by little, the voices faded.

Astrid rested her head back.
Lucy closed her eyes.
Zai fell asleep almost immediately.
Kori stared out the window, but soon drifted off as well.

Zick was the last.

The scenery changed as they advanced, though no one seemed to notice.

—Guys… —Fabio said later— we’re almost there.

One by one, they woke up.

Zick opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the landscape.

Mountains rising in the distance, meadows stretching like a green canvas, and further ahead, the blue of the sea peeking through the light. The beach looked calm, almost untouched.

—It’s beautiful… —Lucy murmured.

Zick said nothing, but felt something strange in his chest. It wasn’t nostalgia or pure excitement. It was a deep calm, as if the place felt familiar without him knowing why.

The minivan stopped in front of a wide, simple house built near the sea.

—We’re here —Joshep said.

Everyone got out and began unloading their backpacks.

—This is my house —Joshep added—. Well… my family’s, really.

The house was modern and spacious, with simple lines and light colors. Large windows stretched across the façade, letting in natural light and the constant sea breeze. To one side lay a wide patio with wooden flooring and an open area clearly meant for gatherings, laughter, and outdoor meals.

Fabio opened the back of the minivan and took out a foldable grill, setting it down carefully.

—Done —he said—. Tomorrow this gets used.

—We’ll see where to place it later —Joshep replied as he helped unload the bags.

They each took their belongings inside. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was comfortable and fresh; air flowed freely, and the distant sound of waves slipped in through the windows.

—Leave your bags in the rooms —Joshep said—. Then, if you want, we can walk around the small town. It’s close.

—Sounds good —Lucy said—. I need to stretch my legs.

—Let’s go —Zai added excitedly.

Zick hesitated for a second, but Kori looked at him and smiled.

—Come on, you’ll like it.

They went out together.

The town was small and quiet. Short streets, a few open shops, people walking without hurry. They bought drinks, some sweets, and stopped to look at the sea from a simple viewpoint.

They laughed, talked about trivial things, and took a few photos. Nothing extraordinary happened, and that was exactly the charm.

When the sun began to set, they returned to the house.

The sky was dyed orange as they entered. Inside, Astrid was already in the kitchen.

—Don’t touch anything —she said without turning around—. It’s almost ready.

—What did you make? —Fabio asked.

—Mashed potatoes and grilled meat.

—Wise choice —he replied, satisfied.

They all sat around the table. Conversation flowed as Astrid served the plates.

Zick ate quietly at first, but listened attentively.

—Hey —Kori suddenly said—, tomorrow we’re definitely using the grill, right?

—Yes —Joshep replied—. That’s the plan. Meat, vegetables… whatever we have.

—Perfect —Kori said—. Then today we eat well and tomorrow even better.

Zai tasted the mashed potatoes and widened her eyes.

—Astrid, this is amazing.

—Thanks —she replied with a shrug—. It’s nothing special.

—It really is —Lucy added.

Zick lifted his gaze from his plate.

—It’s really good —he said sincerely.

Astrid looked at him and smiled slightly.

—Thanks.

Fabio rested his elbows on the table.

—So tomorrow: beach early, grill at noon… and we’ll see what else happens.

—As long as you don’t make me wake up too early —Zai said.

—I can’t promise that —Joshep replied.

Laughter filled the table.

Zick watched everyone for a moment. He didn’t say anything, but for the first time since arriving, he stopped feeling like a guest.

The day ended like that: talking, eating, and planning what came next.