As dawn painted the sky in soft pink, we boarded the weathered ferry bound for the nearby island. The salty sea air wrapped around us, carrying the scent of freedom and the promise of escape.
Rhys leaned against the railing, wind tousling his hair. Drew stood beside him, quiet but eager. Sarah and Melissa laughed nearby, their voices mingling with the cries of seagulls. I slipped between Rhys and Drew, feeling the warmth of their presence and the anticipation humming in the air.
“Last chance to soak up the sun before city life sucks the life out of us,” Rhys joked, slinging an arm around Drew.
“You’re just excited to show off your questionable volleyball skills,” Drew replied, laughing.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re both ridiculous.”
Drew’s upcoming appointment loomed in the back of our m
