Chapter Text
The antiseptic stung, pulling Etaine back to the present. She winced, her gaze snapping to Yuri, the clinic’s lively medical assistant. Yuri, with her vibrant green hair pulled back in a long ponytail, offered a reassuring smile as she removed another suture. "Almost done! Just a few more stitches left and you're good to go."
Etaine forced a smile back, trying to ignore the lingering phantom pain that radiated from her right shoulder. It was a dull ache now, a pallid imitation of the searing agony she’d endured weeks ago. Weeks? It felt like a lifetime. The wound, now knit together, was still angry and red. It snaked from her right shoulder down to her elbow, a permanent reminder of Matt.
Her mind drifted back, unbidden, to the night it happened. The air thick with the stench of cheap whiskey and Matt’s fury. His words, slurred and venomous, had escalated into a physical assault. She remembered the glint of the knife in the dim light, the cold steel against her skin, the agonizing burn as he slashed as she tried to dodge out the way.
Etaine squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the image. She could still hear his voice, a guttural snarl promising retribution if she ever tried to leave. But she had left. She’d fought back, fueled by a primal instinct to survive. She’d managed to wrench the knife from his grasp, the blade slicing his hand in the process, and fled into the night.
She shuddered, the clean, sterile smell of the clinic doing little to dispel the stench of that night.
Coral Island. It had been a whisper in the back of her mind for years. A place she'd only known through fragmented stories through postcards and brief vacation visits. A jungle, ancient and magical in feel, nestled in mountian valleys, a sparkling, vibrant ocean, and a family farm that had been the heart of their lives for generations. How things had changed; her grandparents now deceased, the ocean now choked with rot and viscous oil, the magical allure of the island and surrounding waters lost over time.
Then, weeks before Matt’s attack, a letter had arrived. It was from Connor, the mayor of Coral Island. He had stumbled upon the deed to the old farm, tucked away in the town archives, and a copy of her grandparents’ will, naming her as the sole beneficiary. Etaine, overwhelmed by the unexpected inheritance and the desire for a fresh start, had tucked the letter away, a fragile promise of a future she wasn’t sure she’d ever reach.
After escaping Matt, the letter had become her lifeline. It was a beacon of hope in the darkness. She’d cashed in what little savings she had, bought a one-way ticket to Coral Island, and prayed that Matt wouldn’t find her.
"All done!" Yuri's cheerful voice broke through her reverie. "Try to keep it clean and dry for a couple of days. Come back if you notice any redness or swelling.”
Etaine blinked, focusing on Yuri's kind face. "Thank you," she said, her voice raspy. "Really, thank you.” Yuri gently patted her good arm. "Don't mention it. Glad we could help. Coral Island's lucky to have you. It's a great thing you're doing, with the old farm and all."
Etaine doubted that, but the sentiment was appreciated. She paid for the consultation and stepped out of the clinic, the warm island air a welcome contrast to the sterile environment inside. She’d been on Coral Island for a week, and it felt like both a lifetime and a fleeting moment. The farm was a wreck. Overgrown with weeds, the main farmhouse was dilapidated, paint peeling, windows boarded up. The carpenters, Joko and his wife Dinda, had done their best to refurbish and fix the broken floorboards and leaking roof. It was at least livable. Standing amidst the tangle of weeds, Etaine felt a strange sense of peace. This was it. This was her chance. She could rebuild, not just the farm, but herself.
The first few days had been spent clearing debris, hacking away at the overgrown vegetation, and cautiously exploring the plot of land. She's found the old foundations of the greenhouse. Its wooden frame weathered and rotting. It was a daunting sight, a testament to years of neglect. Each step was a challenge, both physically and emotionally. The still healing wound on her shoulder throbbed with every swing of the scythe, axe or hoe, a constant reminder of her trauma. The silence of the empty house amplified her fears, at night the echoes of Matt's voice still ringing in her ears.
Millie, the jovial librarian and Mayoral assistant, found a dusty photo album amongst some of the library's stored donation boxes. She had been so excited to hand it to Etaine after she had seen Mayor Connor regarding the deed. It was filled with images of her grandparents. Young, vibrant, and full of life, they stood proudly in front of the farmhouse, surrounded by fields of varied crops. Seeing their faces, their smiles, gave Etaine a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn't just rebuilding a farm; she was reclaiming a legacy.
She knew it wouldn't be easy. She had no experience in farming. She was alone, vulnerable, and still haunted. But she was also determined. She would learn. She would adapt. She would survive. Maybe, one day, she could thrive.
Etaine sat on the porch of the farmhouse, watching the fireflies dance in the twilight. A gentle breeze rustled through the overgrown fields, carrying the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When was the last time she had breathed deeply? For the first time in months, she felt a flicker of hope. A fragile ember glowing in the darkness.
A noise startled her. She opened her eyes and saw a figure approaching over the bridge to the east of the property. It was a woman, her form silhouetted against the fading light. As she drew closer, Etaine recognised her.
"Hey," Yuri said, her voice cheery. "Hope I'm not disturbing you."
"No, not at all," Etaine replied, surprised. "What brings you out here?"
Yuri shrugged. "I live just on the other side of the stream with Millie. I figured since you were staying out here all alone, you might like a little company." She then held up a small basket. "Brought you some dinner too. Nothing fancy. Figured you might be too busy to cook. That and I forgot to give you your script for pain relief." She sheepishly grinned, wrinkling her nose slightly. "Don't tell Charles, he'll give me such a hard time about it. I dispensed it for you, hope that's ok."
Etaine's heart swelled with gratitude. "That's incredibly kind of you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I won't say a word to Charles," she winked.
They sat on the porch together, sharing the simple meal of bread, cheese, and fruit. Yuri talked about the island, its history, its people, its quirky traditions. She spoke of the challenges facing the community after the PufferFish oil spill fiasco that occured the previous year. Millie joined them, a bottle of wine from the local tavern, Fish 'n Sips, in hand. They discussed the future of the Island, what each of them hoped it would be.
As she listened, Etaine realised that Coral Island was more than just a refuge. It was a community, a place where people cared about each other, where kindness and generosity were valued.
"You know," Millie said, after a comfortable silence, "you don't have to do this alone. Your grandparents didn't. They had help from Jack and Kira over at the ranch. There are people here who want to help. People who want to see you succeed. Obviously us included."
Etaine looked at Yuri and Mille in turn, her green eyes filled with sincerity. "I know," she said softly. "And I'm grateful. More than grateful."
The fireflies continued to dance around them, their tiny lights illuminating the darkness. Etaine looked out at the overgrown fields, at the dilapidated greenhouse, and at the long road ahead. It was a daunting task, rebuilding the farm, rebuilding her life.
She knew that Matt might still be out there, searching for her. The fear would always be there, lurking in the shadows. But she refused to let it control her. She would not be a victim. She would be a survivor. She was in charge of her life.
Etaine stood up, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The sun had completely disappeared, and the sky was now a canvas of deep indigo. The stars began to twinkle, their light reflecting in her eyes.
"I'm going to do it," she said, her voice clear and determined. "I'm going to rebuild this farm. I'm going to make my grandparents proud.”
Yuri smiled, her hand gently squeezing Etaine's . "Yes, you will," she said.
"You grab that dream with both hand, you beautiful butterfly", Millie added, excitement barely contained.