Tomorrow, after school, Selena invited me and Rafael to see the boat she was talking about. For some weird reason, they kept it in the forest. Selena went ahead, so I am alone with Rafael. The leaves are moving slightly, and the forest smells like fresh rain. It is a bit misty today. The pine trees are so tall that I can’t see the sky anymore. The incline is getting steeper and harder. The forest is extremely big. I can barely see the village anymore. I am admiring the sights happily, but then, a tree root decides I don’t deserve to be happy. I instantly fall. Thankfully, Rafael catches me just in time.

“Careful, there!” he says.

His face is so close to mine. We both blush. He helps me back on my feet and then we continue onwards.

“Why do you think they keep it in the woods?” I ask.

“No idea, but it can’t be good.” Rafael says seriously.

We catch up with Selena. In front of us, there is the Magical River. It goes on and on into the forest. I cannot see the end. The birds are chirping above us. Finally, I can see the sky again. It is really sunny today. Colourful flowers are spread across the little meadow. The emerald-green grass shines in the sunlight. Selena is sitting on a big rock. She looks displeased.

“Knew it…” Rafael says, looking towards the river.

I look at the sparkling water again and see what they are so upset about. The boat is destroyed. It seemed like it crashed ages ago. Thankfully it was made of wood, so no rust, but it still is in a terrible condition. Moss and plant life are all over it, and parts of the boat are missing.

“It looks even worse than when I last saw it.” Selena remarks sadly. “I don’t think we’ll be able to use it. It was destroyed in an accident five years ago. I thought it would be in a better condition.”

“Well, we could repair it.” I offer. “What do you guys say?”

“I’m in!” Rafael says excitedly. “My father loves woodwork as a hobby. He taught me a bit, and I can take some wooden planks from him. We will also need some new paint.”

“I can bring that!” I say. “I love drawing and painting!”

“We will also need a new motor. This one seems fully busted.” Rafael says while deep in thought.

“We could paddle, but I can make a new one.” Selena offers. “I’m good with technology in general and I used to help Dad when this one broke.”

Selena points at the broken one, which is half sunken in the dirt.

“Then it is all set!” Rafael exclaims happily.

I can see that Selena is sad. I must do something. Maybe changing the subject from the boat might help?

“Hey, Rafael! What does this magical mountain even look like?” I ask.

“Oh, it is said that it is fully surrounded by the forest. The river ends in a cave under the mountain, and at night, you can see the Northern Lights!”

“What? Northern Lights… In Germany… I don’t think that makes sense. Shouldn’t they be in well… The North?” I ask, extremely confused.

“That is why it’s considered a magical mountain!” Rafael explains. “The only footage I could find of it was in an old movie, though.”

“How do we know if it’s real?” Selena asks sceptically.

“We can’t, but wouldn’t you like to find out?” Rafael asks with a gleam of adventure in his eyes.

“Yeah!” I say in sync with Selena.

“Perfect! Then next week we’ll come to repair the boat! I need some time to get all the materials. The boat looks so bad that I don’t think I’ll be able to repair it only with what my father has.” Rafael says.

“Sorry, but I can’t! I have to leave with my parents on a trip for three weeks next Friday.” Selena says.

“What? Why?” Rafael asks without realising.

“We go to Japan for the fall break. But because of how we found the plane, we leave a week earlier. We can’t visit often because of the prices. You see, on my mother’s side, my grandparents are Japanese.” Selena says with a smile.

“Wow! That is so cool! Please bring me a manga! Any kind! I’ll pay for it when you give it to me!” Rafael says with excitement again.

“Ok!” Selena says while laughing and rolling her eyes.

The three of us start to make our way home. Selena, again, goes ahead.

“So, what was the accident? I saw she looked very sad.” Rafael whispers to me.

“I don’t know. She never told me. She just said that it was her fault. I didn’t press for details.” I say.

Rafael looks in Selena’s direction, concerned.