The ocean stretches endlessly before us, waves rolling in rhythmic crashes against the shore.
A distant hum vibrates through the salty air—low at first, barely noticeable over the wind. I catch it first, my breath hitching as I sit up.
"Jasper." I grip his arm, asking, "Do you hear that?"
Jasper's body becomes tense beside me. He turns his head, brows furrowed. And then—
He hears it, too. The unmistakable roar of an approaching motor.
"Oh my God!" I exclaim, standing up to my feet.
I bolt toward the shore, waving my arms wildly. "Over here! We're here!"
****
The massive white vessel looms above us, bright lights spilling onto the water. The moment my feet touch the deck, I let out a shaky breath.
We are really back.
Jasper and I walk side by side, holding hands, his p
