When the whole group finally made it back near the shelter, the morning light was already slanting through the coconut leaves. The rustling of branches put the people inside on alert, and Lucy was the first to sit up, her eyes still red from a sleepless night of worry. The moment she saw those familiar figures, she practically leapt from her seat and rushed to the edge of the shelter.
“Ethan! Lucas! Everyone…” Lucy didn’t finish her sentence before quickly glancing over everyone, her eyes filled with confusion: “Why didn’t anyone come back last night? Did something happen?”
Stella also stepped out from the shelter, maintaining her usual calm, but her gaze as she watched the group return was full of doubt. Folding her arms across her chest, she spoke slowly, unable to conceal her concern:
