Chapter 3

On the third day, Chloe suggested going to an offshore island.

The weather forecast had already issued high wind warnings.

Park authorities posted continuous notices warning tourists to stay off the outer reefs.

I suggested canceling the trip.

Chloe pouted. "It's so rare for me to get away. I don't want any regrets."

Ethan instantly fetched her jacket, motion sickness pills, and a thermos of warm water.

Turning around, he handed me the heavy daypack containing everyone's passports, cash, power banks, and extra clothes.

"You're the most careful."

"Nothing gets lost when it's with you."

I didn't take it. "Why can't we take turns carrying it?"

Ethan slung the pack onto my shoulders anyway.

"Chloe has a weak constitution."

"Lucas and Julian need to keep an eye on her."

"You usually carry way more stuff on your own without a complaint. Don't start nickeling and diming now."

On the island, Chloe insisted on walking to the outermost viewing platform to see the ocean.

The tide was already rising.

I reminded them again that we had to head back in ten minutes.

Ethan brushed it off: "Nothing's going to happen."

Halfway there, Chloe slipped on a rock.

Ethan caught her just in time.

She wasn't hurt, but she crouched on the ground, crying in sheer terror.

Ethan, Lucas, and Julian rushed to surround her.

The three of them decided to escort her back to the dock immediately.

Weighed down by the heavy backpack, I lagged behind.

"Wait for me!"

Ethan only looked back and shouted:

"You know the way and you know how to read tides. Catch up on your own!"

"Chloe can't do anything by herself. She needs someone right now."

They supported Chloe, walking farther and farther away.

Trying to rush after them, I stepped on a slick, mossy rock.

My ankle twisted violently.

The sharp pain brought me straight to my knees.

By the time I managed to stagger back up, the rising tide had swallowed the path back to the dock.

I was trapped on the outer reef.

The seawater quickly rose past my calves.

With trembling hands, I dialed Ethan's number.

Chloe's sobbing was still audible on the other end.

"The tide is up to my knees," I gasped. "I twisted my ankle. Call the park rescue team right now."

Ethan was silent for a few seconds.

"Find some high ground first."

"You know how to swim, and you know how to find your way. Keep yourself safe."

"Chloe almost fell into the ocean just now. I can't leave her alone."

I could hardly believe my ears.

"How long does it take to make one emergency phone call?"

He replied, "The rangers will patrol once they see the tide rising anyway."

"Stop agitating Chloe while she's this terrified."

He hung up.

Neither Lucas nor Julian called me either.

The water crept higher and higher.

Dragging my injured foot, I scrambled onto a higher rock and waved the backpack with all the strength left in my body.

In the end, it was a local fisherman who spotted the reflective strips on my pack and alerted the rescue team.

By the time I was brought to the clinic, my ankle was severely swollen.

My calf had a deep, jagged gash from the rocks.

When Ethan and the others finally showed up, the very first thing he said was:

"Are the IDs and cash still there?"

He unzipped the bag, meticulously counting everyone's belongings.

Only after making sure nothing was missing did he look down at my leg.

Chloe apologized with tearful eyes.

"I'm so sorry."

"I had no idea you'd get trapped out there."

Before she could finish, Ethan turned on me.

"You knew the weather was bad. Why didn't you keep up?"

I stared at him.

"I called you."

"You knew I was trapped. Why didn't you call for help?"

Ethan looked away.

"My hands were full."

"You've always been independent. You know how to handle yourself in an emergency."

"Chloe was completely hysterical. I had to prioritize the person who needed me more."

A park ranger handed me the call log shortly after.

It stated in black and white:

[Contacted four travel companions.]

[Companions stated they were caring for another frightened traveler and could not return. Requested the stranded party wait for rescue independently.]

It wasn't that they didn't know.

It wasn't that they didn't realize I was in real danger.

It was simply because I was independent enough and tough enough.

So even when I was drowning on a reef in a rising tide, I could still be pushed behind Chloe.