Chapter Four: Out on the Island:

After lunch, the three of us went out on the island. Noiz held out her arms, head thrown back.

“Ah! I love the sea air!” she said aloud.

“What’s the plan now?” I asked. She turned around with a smile on her face.

“What else?” she asked. “We just enjoy the island around us.” I gave her a strange look.

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Yes,” Noiz answered. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” I said. “It’s just…” She raised an eyebrow at me.

“Just what?” Noiz asked. When I couldn’t think of anything, I dropped my shoulders.

“Never mind,” I mumbled. Noiz clapped her hands together, smiling.

“Great!” she said. “Let’s get going!” The seaside town looked rather busy today. It looked just like it did back mainland Japan. People rushed around with  paper lanterns in their hands. Little kids held fish kites behind them. I couldn’t help but to marvel at the bright colors passing by.

“You want one?” Mosh asked behind me. I turned around with a confused look on my face.

“Huh?” I asked.

“Do you want a kite?” he asked again. I looked away with red cheeks.

“Maybe,” I mumbled.

“We can buy one later,” Noiz cut in. “We must keep going now!” She walked further down the path. I made an uneasy face. Slow down, woman! The island’s not going anywhere. We still have all day!

Noiz pretty much acted like a child on our walk. She just had to stop and look at everything. Mosh giggled at her behavior. I on the other hand tried to pretend that I had never seen her before in my life.

“Why is she acting like this?” I whispered to Mosh. He shrugged his shoulders with a smile.

“She’s happy to be on the island again,” he said.

“Yeah, but still…” I mumbled. He walked away to keep up with her. I jogged to do the same.

The seagulls squawked over our heads. A boat horn blasted in the background at sea. Before we knew it, we crossed into a neighborhood of brightly colored houses. I looked over at my cousin.

“So where are we staying for the night, Noiz?” I asked. She glanced over her shoulder at me.

“Where do you think, sweetie?” she asked.

“A hotel?” I guessed. It took her all not to laugh at me. I tilted my head at her.

“Are you laughing at me?” I asked. Noiz gave me an innocent look.

“Why would I do that?” she asked.

“You just look like it,” I said.

She put up her hands in a shrug. “Okay, you caught me. But, we’re not going to a hotel.”

“We aren’t?” I asked.

“No,” Noiz said, shaking her head.

“Then, where are we staying?” I asked. Noiz gave me a mischievous smile.

“Ever heard of couch-surfing, my dear Briana?” she asked.