Without thinking too much, I started walking to the right.

  Even after walking for ten minutes, I couldn’t see any shop or market.

  I kept walking and walking—

  as far as my eyes could see, there was nothing but road after road.

  Suddenly, I noticed a signboard in the distance ahead.

  Now I would know whether I was on the right road or the wrong one.

  I hurried toward the signboard.

  As soon as I looked at it carefully, my mind felt a little calm.

  Sea beach → right side.

  Still, there was one problem.

  I let out a small cry.

  The beach was eight kilometers away from here.

  Then why did the bus driver drop me off so early?

  Or did I get down too soon by mistake?

  What should I do now?

  There was still a long way to go.

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  Walking all that distance wasn’t possible;

  it would be evening by the time I reached.

  I stood by the side of the road.

  If a vehicle came, I would have to ask for help.

  There was no other option.

  After standing there for a long time, my legs started to hurt.

  Still, there was no sign of any vehicle passing by.

  For a moment, fear began to creep in.

  Would I even be able to get there?

  I took out my phone and saw the time—4:20 PM.

  I had been standing there for forty minutes.

  Still, no vehicle was coming.

  After some time, I saw a mini pickup truck coming from far away.

  I quickly raised my hand, asking for help.

  I had to get on this vehicle.

  Otherwise, there was no guarantee another one would come.

  The truck stopped.

  I went closer and said to the uncle—

  “Uncle, I’ve been standing here for a long time.

  No vehicle is coming this way.

  Could you please take me to the beach?”

  The uncle replied—

  “Vehicles don’t usually pass through here.

  How did you even get here?

  Buses usually drop passengers right beside the beach.

  Alright then, get in the back.

  I’m going toward the beach anyway.

  I’ll drop you there.”

  I climbed onto the back of the truck.

  And the truck started moving.

  I began thinking to myself.

  This was my own fault.

  The bus stopped, and without asking the driver anything,

  I got down like a fool.

  If the uncle hadn’t come,

  or if he hadn’t taken me along,

  my luck today would have been really bad.

  After a while, a light salty breeze touched my nose.

  I quickly stood up and looked ahead.

  I saw the open blue sky

  and blue water stretching out.

  All the fear and worry inside me disappeared at once.

  We were close to the beach.

  The closer we got,

  the stronger the sea breeze felt.

  The salty air lingered inside my mouth.

  My heart started to race.

  When would I finally step onto the beach?

  Soon, I could see the sandy shore.

  The truck came very close.

  As it stopped at one place,

  I jumped down eagerly and thanked the uncle.

  “Thank you so much.

  You brought me to such a beautiful beach.

  You helped me a lot today.”

  The uncle said—

  “No problem.

  Go, your beach is right ahead.

  I can see from your face

  how excited you are to see the beach.”

  Thanking him again,

  I ran toward the sea—

  as fast as I could.