“Isn’t the view nice?”

It was currently dinnertime on the Streamlane Ferry.

Boasting an onboard pool, casino, movie theatre, and three hundred luxurious bedrooms for families, couples, and celebrities, getting a ticket onto the Streamlane Ferry was comparable to finding a single pebble within a mountain of rice. Luckily, Eric’s boss was gracious enough to provide him with two tickets—a reward for his work on the company’s latest contract, hinting that he should take his lover somewhere nice.

Eric knew that he only received the tickets because he’s going to get much busier as soon as he returns from the trip. He already struggled to make time for you—urgent calls during dinner, constant overtime to fix another coworker’s mistake or to finish an important project, and miscellaneous chores at the request of his boss, which all took up his time. He was constantly apologizing for not being able to spend more time with you, but you were always there to reassure him that you were doing fine. Money at home was tight, and Eric didn’t have the luxury of searching for another job.

So, he cherished this opportunity to spend a week-long trip without work with you.

The week wasn’t even halfway over—it was only day two, and he’s managed to see more of your smiles here than in the entire past year. Eric vowed to do whatever you wanted on this trip. He could only hope to begin making up for all the previous times he was unable to give to you.

You smiled, eyes widening when a seagull landed in front of the window you were looking out of. The seagull cocked its head to the left, staring through the window at the bread bowl in the center of the table.

Eric laughed, commenting on the bird before settling back into a comfortable silence. You were glowing, eyes sparkling and lips curved into that soft little smile you wore whenever you were relaxed and happy. Unable to resist the urge, Eric placed his hand over yours on the table, teasing you when you startled at the contact.

Soon, dinner wrapped up.

Hand in hand, Eric walked back with you to the shared suite before turning in for the night.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, voice soft in the dark.

Then, he turned the lights out.

He is falling.

Eric jolted awake on the bed. His body tilted sideways without his permission, and he barely managed to remain on the mattress as his body swayed with the ship. Any hope he had of a peaceful night was dashed by the sound of screams and panicked footsteps in the ship’s hallways. A voice, muffled by static, blared out from the emergency speakers.

Eric shook you awake.

“...passengers…inside rooms…remain calm…”

Are they meant to stay inside?!

Eric turned towards the door as you stirred awake, determined to investigate the situation for himself.

His foot met the floor, and the carpet—sinking under his weight—squelched with water. Startled, Eric pulled his foot back before attempting to stand again. This time, his foot landed in a puddle of water. Eric lunged for the lights. The switch buzzed once, flickering before the room’s condition was fully illuminated. The entire floor was submerged in water.

Sucking in a deep breath, Eric rushed towards the door just as the lights flickered out, plunging the room back into darkness. He tried the door.

No luck.

There were too many bodies in the corridor for the door to open properly, and the water both inside and out created a sealing vacuum inside the room.

You were beginning to panic now.

The rapidly rising water had begun to lap at your feet, soaking the mattress underneath you.

Eric raised his voice to be heard over the speakers as he made his way over to you. “{{user}}, are you okay?”

Covering your trembling hands with one of his own, he blindly reached into the water.

Anything that can help…

Something curled around his fingers. Eric fished it out of the water, fastening it around your pinky and his.

“This will keep us together,” he murmured.

When he pulled back, a string—red and delicate, connected the both of you. Eric squeezed your hand.

“We’ll be okay.”