PROLOGUE

Just another day. Yes. Another wasted and boring day.

Nadi yawned for the millionth time. The heat of the sun had long been lost to the other side of the world, yet he could still feel his sweat walking down the side of his face.

Taking the bottled water from the side of the boat, he tried to gulp it when he noticed Isak looking in this direction.

"Please finish the only water we came with." The old man rubbed the bridge of his nose and looked away. "I am not a living creature that depends on water for survival."

"But Papa," Nadi frowned and uncorked the water bottle, taking the first gulp before his father's eyes would return to his direction, "I am thirsty

"I know. That's every reason why you should finish the water. You are the only living thing in this boat."

Nadi stared at the bottle. The water was near the top, and would not finish even if Nadi was multiplied by ten. But knowing who his father was, Nadi decided to gulp his thirst with his saliva. It was the best he could do. Isak was not just the best fisherman in Mali, but was notorious for his high thirst for water. Especially during a long sail like this one. There have been stories some time ago about how Isak had sold all the alcohol his wife trades in the local market, only to buy a small bottle of water. Water was precious. But to Isak, it was the most precious thing in the universe. It was his treasure.

"We've sailed all night. I think it's time we head back home." Nadi said and rested his weight on the side of the boat.

"Without a good catch? Never. You want the rest of the locals to laugh at me? I won't join your lazy man campaign. Not today"

Ego. That was the only disease that would eventually send his father to an early grave if adequate care was not taken. The man bothers himself too much about what other people think about him. At a time, he had wanted to send Bella and his mother away, because some of the men in the village were divorcing their wives only to get hook up with the local prostitutes. But that was a long time. About sixteen years ago, before Nadi was born. But, old habit dies hard, they say.

Nadi yawned and dropped the water bottle. He had not rested well during the day, and besides, the only food he'd had was a pie and a soft drink. A food which Bella, his sister, always calls 'a dog's food. The reason was that the pie in this part of Africa was almost the size of a baby's fist. The only thing it seems to satisfy at the moment was a dog.

"But why all these efforts, Papa?"

Instead of answering the question, Isak dropped the fishing net and sat down, staring blankly into the night as though he saw something in the cloak of darkness.

"Have you sat in the midst of the other fishermen?"

"Too many times."

Nadi muttered, glad that his father had taken the bait. The best way to keep his father's mind away from fishing was to find a way to make him talk about his adventures. Even though the stories were usually long. It always brings their long fishing day to an end. Nadi has mastered the trick, and it always works. That was why he was glad when his father had dropped the fishing net.

"Being the best is not about doing what others are doing. Being the best is about walking and trading the path which others fear to trade. Especially, when they are grooving in their comfort zone. Making merry and living their lives on the little they've achieved."

"What then, is the essence? I mean. Hard work with little success. What's the essence? Won't it be better to work smart and enjoy the little you have while you are still alive?"

"You always remind me of your mother. Ah, i love her noble spirit and irreplaceable wisdom." Isak smiled and returned his attention to the fishing net.

He was avoiding the question. Nadi could see, but he didn't point it out. Showering praise on people was a way his father gets away with questions that he has no answers to. Well, not that Nadi cares. All he wanted at the moment was to return home and have a good sleep. He was too tired to listen to any tale too.

"You know," Isak said but did not lift his head from the fishing net, "All this would be yours one day. What are you going to do with them when I am gone?"

"I will sell it."

Nadi held his mouth, but the words were already out before he could realize.

"I didn't mean that."

He said when he saw the fold on his father's face. The man was not happy with Nadi's reply, and clearly not with his attitude towards the family business. But what will they have him do? He hated fishing. The constant eggy smell of the shoreline and the nasty stench of the insect they were using as bait always leaves him with a queasiness that would last for days. He hated the fact that he sees himself drowning in his sleep. He hated being chased by sharks. And he hated fish. What fisherman hates fish?

"See the reason why you are such a useless son?"

Nadi swallowed and stood from the boat, hoping to back away from the fire that was beginning to burn in his father's gaze. He went too far, and he knew it. He should have thought first before talking, instead of letting his words out like a fool.

"You will never amount to anything great, Nadi. You will die like your grandfather. Poor and wretched." Isak grunted and dropped the net. With the way his shoulders were twitching, Nadi could guess that the older man was too angry to continue with the washing.

"Grab those ropes and let's go home." His father said and walked towards the engine.

Nadi stroked his forehead, relieved that his father had spared the rod this time. His father was not a man who always corrects his children with words. It was always a gift when he does. Even though the man had continued to remind him how much of a failure he was, Nadi was glad that one day he would prove him wrong. Just one day.

The engine of the boat started all too early, even before Isak could get to them. Nadi lifted his head in the direction, just to make sure his father has not manufactured a remote-controlled all of a sudden.

"Is everything alright, Papa?"

Isak did not respond, instead, he pointed towards the sky night sky. That was when Nadi saw it for the first time.

At first, it was twinkling like one of those numerous stars. But suddenly, it began to grow bigger and bigger with a white light that brightened the entire body of the sea, almost like the light of the sun.

"Come here, Nadi," Isak shouted as the bright light swept past them with a majestic force.

Nadi swallowed. He could barely feel his legs, let alone obey the voice of his father. The only thing that caged his mind at the moment was fear. He couldn't even think, even if he wanted to.

"Nadi," His father shouted out his name for the second time.

That must have been the signal. Nadi tried to move and was glad when his feet obeyed. He walked toward his father, trying to hurry before the light struck the sea. But something held his legs, something soft and rough at the same time. Looking down, Nadi realized that the same rope his father had sent him to untie had tangled itself on the buckle of his sandals, trapping him to the spot.

"NADI,"

His father shouted, or so Nadi thought. It was hard to distinguish. The bright light had struck the sea, and without warning, Nadi saw himself floating in the air. He tried to scream. He knew he was screaming. But the words. No, not the words. It was the voice of the wind that covered his ears. Nothing seems to matter. The world spun as he continued to swerve into the air until the voice of the wind ceased.

Where am I?

Nadi tried to open his eyes, but he couldn't. He tried to breathe, but instead of air, he was surprised when a huge amount of water rushed into his nostrils. He tried to fight; he tried to struggle. But his effort was useless. He was drowning, and he knew it. And the fact that he couldn't swim was another disadvantage he had. Perhaps his father was right. If only he had paid attention to the instructions of his father, maybe he would have saved himself. Maybe he would have saved himself.

Nadi used his last energy to push. But like the rest of his efforts, it was useless.

Father was right all along. I am a useless son. I will die a nobody. I will die like my grandfather.

Nadi thought as he pushed for the last time before absolute darkness claimed his being.