The announcer's voice became serious.
"A tropical storm over the eastern sea has intensified into a typhoon and is expected to make landfall later tonight. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, possible flooding, and power outages."
I looked out the window as dark clouds slowly gathered overhead, swallowing the last traces of the bright afternoon sky. For some reason, an uneasy feeling settled deep inside my chest, one I couldn't explain no matter how hard I tried. I had no idea that the approaching storm would change everything. When we arrived home, I carefully placed my medals, certificates, and the championship trophy on my bed. The only thing I kept on was the gold medal hanging proudly around my neck. A smile spread across my face as one thought filled my mind. I can't wait to show this to Isabella. Meanwhile, Mom was already in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner.
"I'm going out for a little while, Mom," I called.
"I'll be back soon," I called. Mom answered from the kitchen, but I was already grabbing my bicycle before I could hear the rest of what she said. I pedaled toward the forest as fast as I could. The sky had turned gray, with dark clouds slowly swallowing the afternoon sunlight as the wind grew stronger with every passing minute. Leaves rustled violently, and the towering trees swayed from side to side beneath the growing storm. It looked like the weather the news had warned about was finally arriving. As I entered the forest, I followed the familiar trail leading to the lake.
"Isabel!" I called.
No answer.
I smiled to myself.
"Come on, I know you're hiding somewhere."
I looked around the trees where she usually surprised me.
Nothing.
I continued walking.
"Isabel!"
Only the sound of the wind answered me.
My smile slowly faded.
I searched every place where we usually spent time together. I checked beneath the old tree where we used to sit and read books, crossed the grassy field where she loved to dance barefoot, and walked along the edge of the lake where she would quietly watch the moon. But she wasn't anywhere. A knot formed in my stomach as I hurried toward the large boulder where she always liked to sit, clinging to the hope that I would finally find her there.
Just then...
I noticed someone standing there.
A man.
His back was facing me, and in his hands, he held a bouquet of bright sunflowers. Without saying a word, he slowly knelt down and gently placed the flowers at the foot of the large rock. The wind howled through the trees as a light rain began to fall, carried by the strengthening gusts. For some reason, there was something strangely familiar about the man. I narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look at his face. Then...
My heart skipped a beat.
I recognized him.
It was...