Chapter 5: The Search
The rescue boat cut through the water at full speed. Spotters scanned the waves, eyes straining against the glare.
Then someone pointed.
A yellow shape floated in the distance.
Rosie.
For one terrible second, the crew feared it was all they would find.
Then another voice shouted—
“Two people! Ahead!”
Shapes emerged between the waves.
A man.
A child in his arms.
Alive.
The boat surged forward. Hands reached down, pulling Lily up first, wrapping her in blankets. Daniel tried to climb after her but faltered—his strength finally giving out.
Crew members hauled him in.
He crawled straight to her, grabbing her hand.
She squeezed back.
The tension broke.
Not into cheers.
But into something deeper—relief that shook through everyone who had been watching.
