We were an odd trio. Flabby the cat, Child the girl, and me, Nobody. I was beginning to think that my life was the start of a grand joke. Flabby and I were like oil and water, and that was fine by me.

That night, I fell asleep on the makeshift bed on the floor. At that time, the other two were awake.

The next morning, when I woke up, Child and Flabby were looking down at me from the edge of the bed. I groaned, covering my face with my hands, and turned away.

I felt someone poking my arm. Surprised, my head snapped toward them. Child was supposed to be sitting in a corner of the place, watching me like an eagle. I almost asked her why she was in bed. Something was thrust in my face before the words could leave my mouth. It disoriented me for a moment because it almost hit my nose.

I blinked and realized that she was showing me a picture. Hardly a surprise since I knew she was illiterate.

It was that of a beach.

Bright and cerulean with palm trees.

A place that was on the list of the top ten places that I had looked up when I had the mind to unalive myself. Back then, I'd given up halfway through the list.

'This? This is what you were looking for? A beach?' I was unable to conceal my incredulity. You turned my place upside down because of a picture of a beach? Are you freaking kidding me?

I groaned. What exactly had I signed up for?

She bobbed her head and pushed it into my face once again.

She had touched a sore spot of mine, so I was bitter. I gave her an ultimatum. 'Use your words or let me sleep.' Then I turned to the other side and closed my eyes.

She pinned me under her gaze. It prickled my skin. It felt too real, so I opened my eyes, only to find Flabby nuzzling against me. The hell! I yelped before I sat up, pushing it away. Only the previous day, we were sworn enemies. Why was it suddenly regarding me with affection?

'Go here?' The voice was the softest voice I had ever heard. God, it melted my heart. She regarded me with such a pure look that I thought I would be a certified jerk if I spared any effort in fulfilling her wish.

Flabby and I stared at her in disbelief before exchanging a look. I thought, for a moment, that Flabby was as baffled as I was. This is it! I'm losing my mind.

And that's how the three of us went on a trip to the beach.

Flabby, Child, and I.

I rented a car since I'd sold the red convertible. It was three hours from my place. I drove there while the two of them sat in the backseat, enjoying the view.

By the time we reached the beach, it was peak afternoon. It was sweltering hot, and I thought it was a bad idea. The only advantageous thing about the timing was that the beach was empty.

Flabby meaowed at the sight and jumped out of the window, running toward the water.

That's a first, I thought.

Child tried to follow its poor example.

'No, no!' I told her. 'Open the door. Like this,' I showed her the proper way of getting out of the car. She followed my actions before sprinting after Flabby. I rolled my eyes. What's so great about the beach at this time? My parents had taken me to many beaches when I was a kid. Some were private beaches. I wished to return to those carefree times.

I watched Flabby and Child run to and fro. They were smart enough to stay in sight.

Child was beaming. She was smiling, and I felt like I was missing out, but for some reason, my feet remained glued to the spot. Hesitation lodged itself into my throat as I gazed upon them longingly. If I could only get over this, I could be a parttake in that joy that Flabby and Child shared.

My body was frozen under the scorching sun.

I wanted to feel good. I wanted to feel warm.

As if sensing my needs, Flabby raised its head toward me. A moment later, it darted in my direction. Child followed me.

Flabby nuzzled its head against my legs as if comforting me. I felt some weight lift off my shoulders, and I was able to breathe better. Then Child came to me. She grinned, perspiration giving her an ethereal air. She was beautiful when she smiled. She held her tiny hand out toward me. 'Come with me. We'll play together.' Her voice was the most sonorous voice I'd ever heard.

Something shifted inside me.

I felt myself thaw. The hesitation vanished. I held her delicate hand in both of mine, as though I were holding a bird.

Our eyes met.

She tugged my hand, and the last of the chains broke away.

My feet moved on their own accord. One step after the other. Soon, it was too difficult to count the steps. I was running. At some point, I lost my slippers.

For the first time, I felt free. The breeze in my hair. The sun tanned me up. The fine grains against the soles of my feet. All these made for something I lacked. They filled me up. Flabby chased after us. I think I heard it laugh.

If this were my madness, I would accept it wholeheartedly.

Under Flabby's supervision, Child and I entered the water.

Her giggles filled the air as the two of us splashed each other. The cool water connecting the entire world drowned all my sorrows, all my misgivings about myself, all my restraint.

Just the three of us; our joy converged like tributaries. I felt whole. Complete.

Child and I waded deeper, holding hands, going under the waves, coming out stupefied. Then laughing at each other. I think I squealed and laughed quite a lot. I lost count of how many times.

What did it mean for me?

Everything.

That afternoon was the most profound period of my life.