Page 36 of Hidden Depths

A humpback whale broke the surface less than a hundred yards away.

Its massive back rolled through the water before its tail disappeared beneath the waves.

A second followed.

Then a third.

Scott stared with his mouth hanging open.

"They're enormous."

Ivy beamed.

"They're heading north."

"How do you know?"

"They always do this time of year."

Scott looked at Ben.

"I think she speaks whale."

Ivy grinned.

"I wish."

Ben chuckled.

"I've known Scott for fifteen years."

"I'm not sure he speaks human."

Everyone laughed.

Even Storm.

The sound carried across the open water.

For just a moment...

The whole world felt wonderfully simple.

Later...

I wandered below deck looking for another cup of coffee.

Instead...

I found Willow in the galley.

She was kneading bread by hand.

The smell alone made me hungry.

She glanced up.

"Looking for something?"