CHANNING
MINUTES LEADING TO THE PROPOSAL
The boat hits the water with a resounding splash, and I watch it bob there, steadying itself before drifting off into the open sea. And my chest tightens. I knew she would lose it the moment she realized I was not on the boat with her, and I could already see her wide, frantic eyes searching for me, her mind racing with panic.
I despised lying to her, but I knew if I didn't, she would refuse to go, and we were running out of time. Although I wanted to be by her side, I had to make sure that everyone on this ship was evacuated before I could get off. I feel responsible for these lives, but I had no time to tell her that. She doesn't know that this ship belongs to my family. She assumed I was just a passenger, as she was.
I swallow hard as people
