"8 pm, same day... I'm home!" Kelvin exclaimed, walking straight to the kitchen. His wife, Sarah, greeted him with a warm smile. "You're back! How was work?"
Kelvin beamed with excitement. "It was great! The board agreed to support my expedition."
Sarah's expression turned curious. "To agree with you on what?"
Kelvin's smile faltered for a moment before he replied, "To take the journey."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "You what?! I thought we agreed no more traveling, especially now that we're expecting a child. You can't have our child missing out on having a father's love. How will I cope alone?"
Kelvin followed Sarah to the living room, trying to placate her. "Sarah, I know you're worried, but I'm doing this for us, for our future. I want to give you and our child a better life."
Sarah's expression softened, and she smiled. "Everything is perfect just the way it is, Kelvin. We have a roof over our heads."
Kelvin hugged his wife. "I know, but I want more for us. This expedition will secure our future. Please, just this once, I promise not to travel again."
Sarah nodded, resigned. "If that's what you want, I won't stop you."
Kelvin's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, my love. You're the best wife in the world."
Sarah asked, "So, when are you leaving?"
Kelvin replied, "In a week."
Sarah frowned. "That's too soon."
Kelvin reassured her, "I know, but the sooner I go, the sooner I'll return to you and our child."
Sarah inquired, "How long will it take you to come back?"
Kelvin explained, "It depends on finding the island, but the board gives us six months. If we don't communicate or show signs of life, we'll be declared missing. But don't worry, I promise to return within six months."
Sarah's expression remained worried. "I still think this is too risky for you."
Kelvin comforted her, "I'll be fine. Let's focus on something more pleasant... like naming our daughter."
Sarah chuckled. "How did you know it's a girl?"
Kelvin smiled, placing his hands on her stomach. "I can feel the father-daughter connection already."
Sarah suggested, "I think her name should be Phoenix."
Kelvin liked the idea. "I love it! She'll be like the beautiful bird Phoenix, strong and fearless."
As they headed to bed, Sarah teased, "What if we have a son?"
Kelvin laughed. "Phoenix works for both male and female, so our child will be named Phoenix either way
As they settled into bed, Sarah snuggled closer to Kelvin. "I'm still worried about you going on this expedition. What if something happens to you?"
Kelvin wrapped his arms around her. "I'll be fine, my love. I promise. I'll be thinking of you and our child every step of the way."
Sarah sighed. "I know you will. But what if you don't come back? What if something goes wrong?"
Kelvin's expression turned serious. "I've thought about that, too. But I have to do this, Sarah. I have to try. For us, for our future."
Sarah nodded, understanding in her eyes. "I know. I just wish I could come with you."
Kelvin smiled. "Maybe next time, my love. But for now, I need you to stay here and take care of our child."
Sarah smiled back. "I will. I'll be waiting for you, always."
As they drifted off to sleep, Kelvin's mind wandered to the journey ahead. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready. For Sarah, for their child, and for the discovery of a lifetime.
The next morning, Kelvin woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew the road ahead would be long and challenging, but he was determined to succeed.
As he got dressed, Sarah handed him a small bag. "What's this?" Kelvin asked.
"Something for the road," Sarah replied, smiling. "A little luck, a little love."
Kelvin opened the bag, finding a small Phoenix figurine inside. He smiled, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for his wife.
"Thank you, my love," he said, hugging Sarah tight. "I'll carry this with me always."
And with that, Kelvin set off on his journey, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Aksara