The Greatest Showman #1222 - Return to Pure

The day passed in a blur. Picking up surfboards, buying supplies, carrying beer and whiskey, and heading to the supermarket for essentials—all tasks that filled the hours. After unloading the goods and cleaning up the beach from dangerous debris like glass and branches, it was time to prepare for the afternoon surf practice.

Since Paul had arrived in the village, he had been on the move, barely able to pause. Lunch was a quick sandwich with a bottle of juice, and there was little time for conversation with Renly. As for taking a nap? That felt like a distant dream.

Before everything was finished, the children had already arrived at the beach and begun to help with the cleanup.

The beach here is protected by a natural barrier of coral reefs, which blocks the rough waves, creating a calm and perfect spot for beginner surfers. The strong waves outside the barrier gradually softened, and the conditions were ideal for those new to the sport.

All afternoon, Paul and Renly stayed by the water, guiding the children's first attempts at surfing. Their laughter and joy filled the air, becoming a beacon of light in the otherwise forgotten village. Even older children appeared, hanging back to watch the fun but hesitant to join in.

The once-dilapidated fishing village now felt alive with the sounds of joy.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky a brilliant pink, the last of the children left the beach. But Paul and Renly stayed, paddling their surfboards beyond the natural barrier and into the choppy sea. There, the waves were wild, and the moment was exhilarating. For that fleeting time, all the troubles and struggles of life seemed to vanish, leaving only pure freedom.

When they finally returned to the shore, the golden hour was still glowing, but the cooling wind had already set in. Goosebumps rose on their skin as they collapsed onto the sand, exhausted and content.

"Hey, where's my watch? My wallet?" Paul suddenly realized his belongings were missing.

Renly, sitting calmly next to him, chuckled. "The documents in your wallet are probably with Antonio. As for the cash and watch, they're likely gone for good. Hope you didn't have too much cash in there—otherwise, the thieves in this village might've made you their target."

Paul scanned the area, confirming his items were truly gone. "What, did they take your things too?" he asked, intrigued.

Renly shrugged with a smirk. "Yeah, but my wallet, credit cards, and ID were returned that night. The kids don't care about those. If it's a stranger's stuff, they'll toss it; but if it belongs to a local, it gets sent back to Antonio's bar."

Paul laughed, realizing the local kids were more honest than they might seem.

Renly grinned. "Antonio told me the kids were complaining that I'm a miser, because I only had twenty bucks in cash. The rest of my money was in pounds, which were useless to them, so they just gave it back. In the end, they only got twenty bucks."

Paul burst into laughter. "God, what a place. How did you end up here?"

Renly looked out toward the fiery sky as the sun set, casting vibrant colors across the sea. "I just followed the wind," he said simply. "After leaving New York, I hitchhiked with no destination, just letting the road take me wherever. I ended up here, thanks to a big truck that dropped me off at the southernmost pier. I spent the night at Antonio's bar, and he asked if I could help him write a letter to send back to Cuba. I agreed, and that's how I stayed."

His words, though simple, conveyed a sense of freedom and adventure. Paul felt a pang of envy. Renly had lived a life unbound by conventions, roaming freely from place to place.

Some people are meant for comfort, others for adventure. Some long for luxury, and others for freedom. Everyone has their own definition of happiness.

"What you're doing here is amazing," Paul remarked, admiration in his voice.

Renly shook his head with a smile. "No, I'm just passing through, giving them a bit of hope. But in the end, I'm just leaving them with something they can't fully grasp—an unfulfilled hope that might leave them more conflicted."

Paul was taken aback. "So, you don't plan to stay forever?"

Renly smiled knowingly. "No, I'm not here to save the world. I'm just giving back a little of what society has given me. But even then, I'm still selfish."

They both laughed.

Renly then explained his plans: "I've contacted a few refugee organizations through Edith, and they'll send people here to arrange follow-up support for the families. They'll help them apply for legal status in the U.S. and give the kids an opportunity to get an education."

Renly paused. "I don't know if it's the right decision. It could end up destroying some families' lives. But I can't make those choices for them. The decision is theirs to make."

Paul nodded slowly. "That's the best you can do. You're giving them a choice, not dictating it."

"And what about you?" Renly asked, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Are you planning on going back to LA anytime soon? People are already whispering that you might skip the Oscars this year."

Paul laughed. "Yeah, I think that's a stupid rumor now."

Renly grinned. "I'll head back once the refugee team arrives. I'm sure I'll make it to the Oscars. If I don't, Andy Rodgers will personally hunt me down!"

Their laughter filled the air, and Renly's mood seemed lighter than ever. But then, Paul grew serious. "Are you okay, though? After the filming ended, you seemed off. Even a bad actor like me could tell something was wrong."

Renly chuckled and patted Paul on the back. "Don't sell yourself short. We're just in different fields. But yeah, I'm fine. After filming that project, I've never been more sure of my path. It's been tough, but I'll never regret becoming an actor. Not for a second."