“Sir.”

Hyeon heard a faint, muffled voice.

“Sir!”

His eyes blinked open slowly as his senses returned. He was on his back with that family and a ferry staff member standing over him.

“Sir, do you need an ambulance?”

Hyeon became aware of his surroundings and stood up with the father’s help. “N-no, I think I’m fine. It’s probably from lack of sleep.”  

Once the excitement was over and he seemed okay, people returned to watching the boat align with the dock. While the exit ramp was being prepared, Hyeon wondered why he passed out. It was uncommon despite his insomnia. No matter how tired he was, he had never just… done that! 

Nammi moved around in her carrier.

“Oh, sorry, girl. Here you go.” He unzipped the carrier and placed her back on his shoulders. Her skinny tail wrapped around his neck, curious about their new home.

Once getting off the ferry, he realized he had arrived earlier than the original arrival time. It would be another twenty minutes before his employer would appear. 

What should I do? There was a visitor’s center next door. Hmm.

A young woman—maybe around Hyeon’s age—was reading a book behind the counter when he approached her. She didn’t realize he was there; her attention was too immersed in the story.

Hyeon’s personality seemed like an extrovert while working or together with friends, but he was actually an introvert – talking with strangers, standing out, making plans to hang out…it all made him cringe. He stood there awkwardly, wanting to hide in a hole.

Eventually, she sensed his presence, looked up from her novel, and exclaimed with her hand over her heart, “Crap a brick! Ow, you surprised me there. You’ll look a bit sus if you go around like that.”

“Um, s-sorry. I… don’t understand.” 

What in the world did she say? Is this New Zealand lingo?

Her eyes widened. “Oh! You’re a tourist! Gidday! I’m Zoe. So what brings you this fine, lovely island? Where are you from? Are you American?"

This was a common misconception. Some would guess correctly because of his slight Canadian accent when he said the ‘o’ vowel. “Toronto, Canada. I have a working holiday visa so I’ll be here for a year. By the way, do you have a map brochure? It’s my first time here.”

“Yes, I do!” Zoe reached under the desk, moving and knocking over things below clumsily. She gave him a pamphlet. “You came at a good time since it’s aurora season. It’s absolutely beautiful at night. If you like nature, the national park is great to visit. The town is small so I bet we will see each other more often. Perhaps at the restaurant or something?”

Hyeon examined the map while she rambled, oblivious to her flirting hints and sparkling eyes. Oban was the only town on Stewart Island. He couldn’t even find the company he’d be working at labeled on the map.

“Do you know where Festr Castle is?”

Zoe’s eyebrows furrowed. “Where?”

“Festr Castle.”

“I’m not sure about that one. I’ve lived here my whole life and it’s more like a legend than a real place. I can ask my manager, though.” She turned her head around and bellowed, “Jack!”

An older man came from the back office. “Zoe, please don’t yell for me. I have a mare when you do that.” The manager complained in that lingo again, leaving Hyeon confused. He saw their visitor. “Gidday, mate! Name’s Jack.”

"Er, Hyeon—”

Zoe interrupted, “Hyeon? Is that an English name?”

“It’s… not.” Gosh, here came the onslaught of questions about his name again. “Half South Korean, but my biological mom—”

“‘Biological’?” Zoe wondered. 

Jack scolded with a dangerous look, “Ow, I think it’s time you go on your break. Now.” 

She shrugged, handed Hyeon her business card with a wink, and left the room. 

“Sorry about that. So where are you trying to go?”

“I asked Zoe about the name but she didn’t know the location.”

“Huh, the place you need must be in the middle of nowhere in the wops. Who are you trying to see?” Jack asked with a too-friendly smile.

“Festr Castle.”

His grin disappeared. “Listen, I don’t know your business with that place and I’m not one to get involved but… you should reconsider. I can’t stop you. Don’t discuss this with the town folks. There’s a lot of uncertainty when that name is mentioned. Say you work at the Rakiura National Park. Good luck.” Jack turned away to go back into his office.

Hyeon was taken aback. “W-wait! What's wrong with Festr Castle?”

The man stopped and said ominously, “I’ve seen employees from that place come and go in the past. Some I see again… but most I don’t. It’s cursed. There have been sightings of a river monster from people who have tried to find it. I can’t guarantee you’ll come back.”