Ephemeral: A Journey To Find The Meaning Of Life

Chapter 2: The Dream

Everyone has their own dreams. Power, happiness, family, and love life. Although it will not necessarily be a reality, but everyone will definitely try to get it, right?

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Just yesterday I arrived in this city, maybe I should go around to get to know this city better.

There are many people who trade in this city. And they have different products. But most are dominated by agricultural produce such as vegetables and fruits. This city had a leader who was once also a famous merchant. That is, Morris Adler. A genius who is good at trading, he is known for his ability to negotiate. The city is also good to look at.

I found a vast and beautiful meadow. Cool wind and good air temperature. This is a great place to relax. While looking around, I found a tree that grew alone in this expanse of grassland. I chose to sit under the tree because it seemed to be more soothing.

While relaxing, I thought about the old book I read last night before I fell asleep. The book tells the dream of Mr. Derrys and... his wife, perhaps?

In short, the book is about their dreams as teenagers. He had a family and became the most prosperous merchant in Halsberg. But it made me wonder why his wife was traveling in search of freedom. Is there something that makes him feel constrained and makes him feel not free in this city. The more I think about it, the more it makes me dizzy.

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"Damn, it looks like I overslept."

I fell asleep after thinking about it. Sunsets are always a beautiful thing to see. I don't know why, it feels sad. I'd better go home, it's dark.

"I'm home!"

There seems to be no one at home at the moment. Maybe Mr. Derrys is still on his way home, but where's Calia?. I thought he might be with Mr. Derrys today. But why am I worried about this.

Looks like someone's coming home.

I immediately tried to check it. And even something surprising happened.

"Sir, is Calia with you?"

"No. Isn't he home?" Respond with a confused expression.

Just by looking into Mr. Derrys' eyes, I can tell that he's not lying.

"Sir, let's go find Calia. I'm going east, you go in the opposite direction to me."

Without speaking a word, we immediately rushed to look for Calia.

What made him not come home? Is he lost? Don't want to go home?... Or maybe!... Come on Luke don't think that way! At a time like this you have to find a quick way to find it.

It's been about 2 hours since I've been looking for Calia, but I don't see any Calia with my detection magic ability. And all the suspicious places I've been checking to make sure anything untoward happens. If I can assume, Calia's on her own.

Places in this city that can be reached by small children and still within safe reach.... Maybe that place.

As expected, you must be here Calia. Alone with a sad looking face. What the hell are you thinking?

"Calia, what are you doing here?"

"Will you tell me?" Luke asked in a soft tone.

Calia agreed and she told me everything. She told me that her father had always been sad since her mother's departure and Calia said she wanted her mother to come home soon. Come to think of it, Mr. Derrys said that Calia last saw her mother when she was 6. A child who lives a life without a mother. That's a very sad thing to hear. From the beginning, I didn't think he would be willing to tell me. But, maybe she didn't want to make her father worry, so she chose to keep him.

I, who came from a harmonious family and always had the opportunity to tell my parents, may not be able to understand the heart of Calia. But at least I want to help him.

"Calia, you have an interesting story for Calia."

"What story, brother?" Calia replied with a questioning expression.

"Listen to ya..."

Once upon a time, there was a little bird who lived with his parents. The little bird had weak wings, which made it very difficult to fly. But he never gave up, with his persistence he managed to fly in the sky. My mom and dad were happy to see that.

In spring, the birds will migrate. Including the little bird. He was really excited and wandering in the air. But he accidentally hit a tree in front of him and he fell. His father who realized it immediately tried to help him. Yes, he managed to help the little bird. But unfortunately, the two of them were separated from their herd. His mother, who was unaware of this, continued on her way.

Bad thing happened to a poor little bird. This makes the two birds must try to survive without relying on anyone's help. But they never give up on survival, believing that one day they will meet again. No matter how long it takes.

"What a pity for that little bird.." Calia responded with a sad expression.

"But the bird never gives up, Calia also has to stay up and stay strong okay!"

"OKo brother!" With a smiling face and a feeling of relief.

"Promise yes"

"Yes! Calia promised."

Hopefully this will help him get excited again.

Not long after that, Mr. Derrys found us. He ran and hugged Calia. The crying was unbearable between the two of them. Calia told him what had happened before, Mr. Derrys listened to her well and gave her a hug and promised not to worry her anymore. I'm relieved to see this, I hope it will help them to be even more excited. After that we went home to rest. Before I go to bed, I might think I'll continue my journey tomorrow. Although temporarily, this place taught me a lot of lessons.

In the morning, I said goodbye to the two of them to continue my journey. Mr. Derrys gave me food preparation for my trip and Calia was sad to know that I was leaving. I spent a little time talking to Calia before I left. After the calm, I got ready to leave the city.

Calia asked if one day I could see them again. I also replied that this is not a goodbye, but see you later. He smiled at me too. I set my feet to continue my journey.

"Be careful, brother! Calia will never forget Luke's brother!"

I am glad that someone will always remember me. Although it was sad to leave him, but I had to stick to my goal.

And I forgot to tell him the final part of the story. There are two possibilities for the ending of the story. It could have been that the little bird had managed to reunite with its mother or possibly a second one.... The little bird will never meet its mother in due to some things. One of them, only the two birds survived because the other birds were captured by bird hunters as they traveled.

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