Emma’s POV
The beach stretched endlessly before me, its beauty overshadowed by the hollow pit of fear tightening in my chest. Jason was still missing, and each passing moment without him felt like an eternity.
The search party combed the sand, their voices calling his name. Jeff’s hand lingered on my arm, a quiet anchor to keep me steady, but even his strength was waning.
Anna clung to my side, her tiny fingers clutching my shirt, her tear-streaked face buried against me. I brushed her hair with trembling fingers, whispering reassurances that felt more like prayers.
“He’ll be okay,” I said softly, trying to convince myself as much as her.
Jeff’s jaw was tight, his eyes scanning the horizon, “I should’ve watched him more closely.” He muttered, his voice low.
“This isn’t your fault,” I
