Sincerity

Awakening at nine in the morning, I adhered to my usual routine of appeasing my hunger with the hostel's offering of bread and jam. As I sat there, Nina approached, her hands extending offerings of butter and shampoo. Our casual exchange of words soon led me to a realization -- it was the day Nina embarked on her journey to Chile. One by one, the fellow travelers at the hostel were embarking on their own onward journeys.

Nina looked at me earnestly and said she wanted to leave me with some money. My first reaction was a polite decline, accompanied by a soft apology; perhaps she felt obliged as I shared too much of the help I had received from others. Nina persisted, her reasoning simple - the Argentine pesos would serve her no purpose once in Chile, and she wished to leave it as a gift for me. I eventually accepted her 30 pesos. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, just like on other occasions when I had received help from others.

Together, we stepped out into the day, each with distinct destinations inked on our itineraries -- she to the airport, embarking on her next adventure, and I to the antique shop, SOL, to unfold a new chapter. As we approached the subway station, a moment of nostalgia swept over us, and Nina suggested capturing it with a photograph. We stood together, the shutter capturing our smiles as the Argentine breeze played with our hair. The farewell was brief yet heartfelt. "Chao!" echoed between us as we parted ways. The turn of my feet brought a soft pang of emptiness. Though I was a traveler, the ritual of goodbyes was a melody I was yet to find harmony with.

The antique shop SOL was nestled among colorful buildings, its windows showcasing relics from the past. Inside, the air was heavy with history. Ricardo Kim, with ponytail hair and sharp eyes, always had a story behind every piece in his store. Per our arrangement, I cleaned, mopped, and ensured the store sparkled by day's end. My enthusiasm often led to mishaps. I once sat down without looking, crushed a bronze antique, and broke a pottery handle while forcefully wiping it. Later, he took me to Baekguchon, the local Korean town. The taste of Sundae Soup carried me back home, the familiar flavors providing a comforting bosom. As we chatted about my bicycle trip plans, I felt a blend of excitement and nervousness. Ricardo's initial skepticism mirrored my internal doubts. However, as I explained further, he warmed up to the idea, even offering his bicycle for the journey.

The night unfolded with warmth. Michael, an Australian magician, spoke of dreams and adventures. He was looking forward to hearing about my upcoming bicycle journey and suggested that I should write a book about it for him to read. Later, Juhye and I enjoyed Mate tea in the living room and shared stories. She was a devoted Christian and believed that everything happening to me was meant to be. Just before going to bed, my roommate Rolando gifted me a sweater and suede jumper. He had heard from someone that I was planning to go on a trip again.

As I lay in bed, reflecting on the day, I made a silent promise to myself: to never forget these moments, these gestures, and the people who had touched my life.

Let not chains of wealth or love bind you tight.

Thirst not for the spotlight's fleeting light.

Chase only passions sincere and true.

And mastery shall dawn in all you pursue.