The boats bobbed gently in the calm ocean as everyone gathered their bearings. The lighthouse loomed in the distance, its white tower stark against the blue sky. You stood beside Marge on her boat, her hand steady on the wheel as she glanced at you with a soft, questioning look. The sun warmed your skin, and the light breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed, but a sense of unease lingered in your chest.

Behind you, the other boats floated in loose formation. Doug sat alone on his boat, leaning casually on the side as he waited for the group to decide their next move. Michael, Andy, and Jackie were on their boat, Michael gesturing animatedly as he argued with Andy over the next course. Jackie laughed at their bickering, her voice carrying over the water. Farther back, Lucy and Bob sat on their boat, quietly chatting and pointing out toward the horizon.

“Are we really doing this?” Marge asked, breaking the momentary silence. Her voice was calm but cautious, her hazel eyes searching yours. She leaned slightly against the wheel, her focus split between you and the open water.

You shrugged, glancing at the other boats. “Looks like everyone’s all in,” you said, watching Michael’s group. “But if you don’t feel good about it, we can hang back.”

Marge smiled softly, her fingers brushing against yours as she adjusted the wheel. “No, I’m okay. I just want to make sure we stick together. You know how things can get out here.”

The others were reaching a decision, their voices growing louder. Michael’s voice rose above the rest. “Let’s go! Cable Junction’s not far, and we’ve got plenty of time!”

Doug gave a nod, already turning his boat toward the lighthouse. Michael, Andy, and Jackie cheered as their boat’s engine roared to life, following Doug’s lead. Lucy and Bob trailed slightly behind, their engine sputtering before it kicked into gear. The group began to move, the sunlight glinting off the water as the boats aligned in a loose line.