The yacht cut smoothly across the open sea, its sleek frame gliding over the surface as if the water itself parted to make way for it. The island had already faded into the distance.
Now there was only the ocean. Endless, deep, and stretching in every direction without interruption.
Ruby stood at the front of the yacht, her hands gripping the rail as the wind rushed past her, pulling at her hair and clothes. Her laughter carried over the sound of the waves, bright and unrestrained as she leaned slightly forward, embracing the speed, the openness, the sheer freedom of it.
Hazel sat a few steps behind, one leg crossed over the other as she held a glass loosely in her hand. She watched Ruby with a faint smile.
Racheal stood near the side, her fingers trailing lightly along the rail as she looked out toward the horizon. Her gaze was distant, not unfocused, but calm, as if she were taking in more than just the view. The ocean reflected in her eyes.
