Chapter 9

I once believed I would truly enter her heart and stay with her forever.

I arrived on an island off the southern coast, where gentle sea breezes blow and one can escape the world's strife.

It was exactly the place I wanted to find peace of mind.

The money I had in the bank, with its interest alone, was enough for me to live the life I desired.

I took up long-term residence at a bed and breakfast, where the owner, Cora, was about my age.

She played the guitar beautifully, and as it happened, so did I.

I had learned to play the guitar back when Emily liked me, but by the time I mastered it, she had lost interest.

Cora taught me about the tides and when we could go beachcombing.

I discovered a new passion: at low tide, we'd venture into the sea to find various shellfish, catch crabs, and sea cucumbers.

Gazing at the endless blue ocean, the pain of my lost love seemed to gradually fade away.

"Alex, look!" Cora exclaimed.

In her metal tongs was a blue crab.