The fire alarm’s piercing wail finally stops, replaced by an almost eerie silence. Jack squeezes my hand tightly as we stand with other passengers at the assembly point on the main deck. The cool night air brushes against my skin, a stark contrast to the heat of the panic that had gripped me only moments ago. Conversations buzz around us—worried murmurs, hushed reassurances, and the occasional sharp voice asking for more information.
The tension is palpable, and I can feel my heart still racing from the abrupt interruption of our peaceful evening. Jack’s calm presence by my side keeps me grounded, though. His hand is steady in mine, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of what’s happening.
Finally, the captain steps up to a makeshift podium at the front of the gathering, flanked by m
