As Jack and I walk hand in hand along the ship’s promenade, the late morning sun gleams on the rippling waves surrounding the cruise liner. The salty breeze tickles my face, and for a moment, everything feels peaceful—almost too peaceful. But something has been nagging at me ever since we left the dining hall earlier.
It’s the absence of a familiar face.
“Jack,” I say, breaking the silence, “have you seen Mia today?”
Jack stops, tilting his head. “Mia? The young crew member who always checks on our cabin?”
I nod. “She’s usually so punctual, always bringing our breakfast trays with that cheerful smile of hers. I noticed this morning someone else handled it.”
Jack shrugs. “Maybe she’s just on a different shift. But if it bothers you, we can ask at the reception.”
His words are reassuri
