CHAPTER 4

Saying goodbye to my grandmother was one of the most painful things I've had to do, not that I haven't already gone through worse things, but my life is full of incurable pain.

I want something good to happen, I want to feel the taste of being completely happy.

I got on the bus towards São Sebastião and I still had to take the ferry to get to Ilhabela, and I couldn't afford the plane ticket, because I had to save money, so I chose to go by bus, I didn't even know where I was I would stay, as the house has gone many years without anyone looking after it and will definitely need repairs, so I will need to find a cheap place to stay.

I closed my eyes with the intention of sleeping, I would have long hours of travel, and sleeping I wouldn't see time pass.

I spent the whole trip sleeping, and I took advantage of the stops the bus made to eat and wet my face.

I badly needed a bed, my back was already sore.

After many hours, we arrived in São Sebastião, and I couldn't control my tears, the city was full of people, who seemed to be tourists and not locals.

I took my cell phone and tried to see if there was a signal so I could access the Internet, the cars were honking, and the sound of people talking prevented me from calling my grandmother and saying that I had already arrived.

- I'd better call when I'm already staying somewhere.

I looked out the bus window, and saw that the place was still the same as I remembered.

People started to get off the bus, so I figured it was time for me to get off too.

- When I was little, I always came here to shop with my mother, at that time I knew how to come and go, now I don't even know where to catch the ferries.

I entered a snack bar, my hands full of bags, I left them in a corner that wouldn't disturb the customers, and ordered a snack, and took the opportunity to look for information.

- Good morning, can you tell me where I can take the ferry to Ilhabela?

I tried to absorb as much of the information the girl gave me as possible.

Then I crossed the street and took a taxi.

-Lady, do you know a guesthouse in Ilhabela where prices are more affordable?

Taxi driver: Yes, I do, the owner is a very good friend of mine.

- Thank God young man, I'm kind of lost, it's been many years since I've been here, I don't even know if I'm going to get a spare room.

Taxi driver: Look, if you had arrived in the afternoon maybe you wouldn't have made it, because the tourists are still arriving.

But since you arrived now, it is likely that you will get it, even without having made a reservation.

- I hope you're right, let's go there then.

He took the ferry and took me to Ilhabela.

Beautiful island...

My beloved Ilhabela, the place where it all began, where I lived my best memories.

We stopped in front of an inn, and the driver helped me with my bags.

- What is your name?

Driver: Jose.

- José, thank you so much for bringing me here.

Driver: You're welcome, let's go inside and I'll talk to Danda to get you a room.

When we walked in, the place was just beautiful.

It had several trees and a beautiful garden with roses.

It also had two swimming pools, one for adults and one for children.

They had hammocks spread out in the middle of nature.

I was delighted with the beauty and organization of the place.

We arrived at the reception and there was a beautiful woman, with red hair and honey-colored eyes.

José: Good morning Cris, do you have a spare room?

Cris: Hi José, everyone is already busy.

José: Are you sure no one is going out today?

Cris: Let me take a look calmly.

Ah, excuse my lack of attention, one of the rooms is vacant. I thought Dih was still occupying it.

Spoke to Jose.

What's your name, lady? he asked me.

- My name is Kyra.

The moment I said my name, she stopped looking at the computer and looked at me.

It was a look of fright and surprise at the same time.

I don't know her to be sure, but that's how it felt.

She took a moment to study me, and then returned her attention to the computer.

Cris: How many days do you intend to spend?

- I still don't know, is it mandatory to say the number of days?

Cris: No, but you need to let us know one day in advance.

- All right

José: Good lady, I've already done my part here, here's my card, in case you need my services.

- Thank you very much again José, you were very helpful.

I waited for the receptionist to finish entering my name into the system, and soon after another woman arrived, with black hair, and her eyes also looked familiar to me.

- I must be going crazy, of course I'll find everything familiar around here, even the people.

“Hello, good morning, my name is Dandara, and it's a pleasure to welcome you here, I'll take you to your room”.

Dandara? I met a Dandara when I was still a child, but it can't be the same person. She was Dilan's little sister. Is it her? I thought, as I tried to organize the memories in my mind.

- Thank you for your attention Dandara.

I followed Dandara to my room, which was perfectly tidy and smelled wonderful of roses.

Dandara: I hope you feel at ease, our breakfast is from 07:00 to 09:30 and the afternoon coffee is from 15:00 to 17:00.

We don't serve lunch or dinner, but we have great recommendations.

- Got it, thank you very much.

As soon as she left, she stopped and looked back at me.

Dandara: Sorry, but I didn't ask your name, what's your name?

- Kyra

She had the same reaction as the lady at the front desk.

I knew my name wasn't that common, but I've never seen my name cause that reaction in people.

Dandara: Alright Kyra, see you later.

She left looking back.

I entered the room and closed the door.

People were very receptive and friendly, but they looked at me differently.

- Damn, I forgot to ask for the Wi-Fi password.

I left the room and went back to the reception, and I found Dandara and Cris, talking very close to each other, as if they were whispering, but they stopped immediately when they saw me.

I found the attitude a little suspicious, as if they were talking about me.

But I preferred to get it out of my head.

- Girls, could you put the Wi-Fi password on my device?

Dandara: Yes, of course, give it to me here.

She took my cell phone, put the password and then gave it back to me.

- Thanks

I went back to my room and sent a message to my grandmother letting her know that I arrived well.

My grandmother, despite her age, was very tuned in, and even had WhatsApp.

I took some clothes out of my suitcase and went to the bathroom to take a shower, I was feeling dirty and exhausted.

As I had already eaten at the cafeteria, I preferred to take the rest of the day to sleep and rest.

When I lay in bed, and closed my eyes, I felt like I was finally home.

I dreamed so much of the moment when I could return to this place.

I felt a huge squeeze in my heart, because even though I was at home, I still lacked the most important part, Dilan.

- Where have you been? I said already feeling sleep consume me.