Mark and I made our way back to the spot where we had separated, disappointment lingering in the air.
Mark shook his head.
"I didn't notice anything related to a beach," he said.
"Me neither," I replied as I mirrored his sentiment, my shoulders drooping slightly.
Just as we were about to express our concerns about Jason's absence, I caught sight of him approaching us. His face held a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Before I could utter a word, he managed to catch his breath and spoke up eagerly.
"There's a small stream over there," Jason announced with a smile adorning his face. He pointed in the direction he had come from.
Mark and I exchanged glances and wasted no time and followed Jason's lead, our steps quickening with each passing moment. When we reached the spot he had poin
