Recap
Julie found the parcel, opened it and saw a book titled “You can’t escape”. She looked for a note or sender’s name, there was none. She was too worked up to guess the sender as there was no lead.
She kept thinking when there was a knock at the door. “Come in” expected Ann, as there would be, no one else knocking her door.
She got out and saw a plate of food. She wondered who would get her fresh food when she was on penalty. Anyways, she took the plate and started eating as she was really hungry.
Kevin turned back when she took the plate in, to find a smiling Lee who gave a questioning look on what he did.
“For senior Kingston” said Kevin, in turn he gave the same look, noticing the fruits basket on Lee’ hand. He replied “for Junior Kingston” they both shrugged and left in opposite direction. There was another knock on Julie’s door, it was fruits basket this time. Julie sat in complete confusion, looking at the anonymous parcels.
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Julie kept staring at the book for a long time, eating the apple from the basket. She did not know whether it was a random gift or does it has any hidden message behind it. If so is it the title or the content? She had numerous doubts popping in her head. Is there some creepy stalker behind this or just a casual gift from some friend? Friend? But she did not know anyone in the camp, except Angela, though one or two faces she had seen in the office, but no one she knew would consider her as a friend to send a gift. But if so from any friend, they would have left a note by enclosing their identity. Why would someone send an anonymous gift? She zoomed on the title intently “You can’t escape” must be any serial killer? She racked her brain about the gift when Angela entered her room.
“What a treat?” she danced in excitement, looking at her plate, untouched desserts and the fruits. Julie remained unbothered when Angela took her delicious looking dessert.
“How could one person eat so much? Senseless people! Don’t you worry about wasting food, I would help you finish it”
She enjoyed it and offered some to Julie.
“Stop ogling at the book, is it dark romance or any erotic novel?” She gave a mischievous smile.
Julies cheeks turned red at her open shameless question.
“Ann!!!” she whined and turned the book cover towards Angela.
“It has neither a note nor any mention about the sender, it is eating my head up”
“Also, who would have sent the food and the fruits? Both came at a different time, means two different people must have sent them”
“Isn’t it obvious that Kevin and Lee must have sent this? Because only they knew that you have skipped the meal” Angela stated the obvious.
“Do you think that they would ever dare? Do such things behind Sr Kingston’s back?”
Julie doubtfully asked.
“Who knows Mr.Grumpy himself would have sent you this”
“I’m sure he’s not that gracious” Julie declared.
“About this book, come, let’s check with the receptionist”
Angela took Julie to the office. The receptionist checked with the ledger and said “there is no mention about this parcel, but can you see? That is Kingston corporation’s watermark on the cover”
Julie and Angela looked at each other in confusion. However, they thanked him and got back to the room.
Angela scrutinised the cover for confirming the watermark and said “I guess it was not sent through post, that’s why it was not mentioned on the ledger. Someone from the camp must have packed and sent you. Let’s observe the guys in the camp we might get a clue”
Julie was pondering over who would it be? What is the purpose of sending her of all people? Does the person knows her love for books? But how?
“I just want to meet this nameless friend of yours, so badly”
“Why so curious?”
“I can’t imagine, who could be this stingy tight-arsed miser who put his hands on company’s stationery to send a personal gift. Don’t know whether the book must be from a thrift store or got by gift for any event. Either he may not get enough salary or left with no much allowance for such gifts, however, this person is so peculiar or weird to be precise”
They were called out to gather for the next event. Kevin explained, “It is an individual game, this game is all about collecting purple pebbles on the stream bed while moving on a small bamboo raft. The stream leads to the nearest hamlet where we would be spending the evening by having a fun time, hands on experience with their lifestyle, music, dance, delicious local food with the most cheerful and hospitable community. It is going to be very entertaining and relaxing. Each one of you will be provided with a waterproof jacket and a pouch to collect the pebbles. The one with highest number of pebbles would win golden ticket and silver ticket for the second next person.”
Lee distributed the customised jackets with their initials on the label. Everyone except Julie received it. Lee searched around but there was none. He excused himself and went to the office, he came back with a sorry face. “Miss Rozana unfortunately I could not find yours, but I have got a spare one, would you mind?”
“That’s fine” she smiled. Just when she had put on the jacket, Julie was hit by a strong masculine musty cologne. That few seconds she was swooning in the dreamy intoxicating sent. She undoubtedly knew that it belonged to that certain someone who she wishes to stay away from, but his scent alone can make her blush a good shade of red.
She took off the jacket and checked the label, it said HK in elegant calligraphy. Her blush turned to a darker shade of red.
Angela asked, “why is your face all flustered?”
“This is Mr Kingston’s jacket” Julie said shyly.
“Eww, that’s disgusting. I would rather feign some sickness and back off if I had to wear that grumpy old man’s jacket”
“You idiot, is that the only Kingston you ever know? I meant Henry Kingston” she said annoyed at her friend’s corrupted mind, hitting her head lightly. Angela stuck her tongue out and laughed.
“Oh! So you have a thing for our boss?” She wiggled her eyebrows as she was surprised at her new discovery.
Julie’s blush intensified “Crush” she smiled timidly. Angela side-hugged Julie and pulled her to the river banks for the game.
Henry did not miss this scene. Though he could not hear their conversation, he noticed what is to be noticed. The moment she blushed when she identified his scent on the jacket, he realised the effect he still had on her. He beamed at her.
The rafts were ready, the stream was not deep and it was crystal clear, so spotting the pebble would be so easy.
Kevin reminded, “one who flips and fell in the water cannot continue the game.”
Once they have got on the raft and started moving, the real challenge of picking the pebble came to light. It was not as easy as it seemed. The water flow was quite strong, the members have managed to fetch only very few pebbles each. Julie enjoyed the scenic view and the tranquility throughout the channel, she collected only two of it. Her focus was more on the serene beauty of the nature. She wanted to slow down the raft so she lied on her stomach and swing her hands backwards.
Angela was waiting for Julie who came last. She proudly shown the only pebble that she had managed to pick.
They were warmly welcomed by the residents of the hamlet. They took them on tour along the entire habitat. They had simple yet amazing life amidst the nature. The hot tea had been served, they had been watching the sunset with the sound of the flowing stream on the background. Julie felt that the real luxuries of life was not always associated with money. She wished to freeze this surreal moment as it brought so much warmth.
Now they had been given vegetable salad, the vegetables were fresh from their farms. They have explained about the sustainable living, the happiness in growing your own food, protecting the mother nature by not polluting any resources. Members had hands-on experiences on making earthenware and stoneware. They have also shown the art of weaving baskets with the harvested willows.
Light music have been played by the residents with the unique handmade musical instruments. Julie held the jacket so close to her as the breeze was very cold when the others have shed their jacket off once the game was over.
Soon the dinner had been served and followed by an exciting natural drink, which was so flavourful, they could not stop drinking, but they have been restricted to 3 glasses for a person as it would give a mild booze. Julie could not put a finger on what makes her go back in memory to those little happy moments with him, whether the utmost peace in the nature’s lap or the drink, that her mind highlighted the fondness towards him.
Julie suddenly searched through the crowd looking for someone.
“What?” Asked Angela.
“I think I feel his presence, he should be somewhere close”
“Who? The Boss???
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