We returned to our chairs.
“They’ll be back before you know it.”
Fifteen minutes passed.
Another banana boat returned.
Families climbed off laughing.
Maya and Liam weren’t among them.
I frowned.
“Maybe they took a longer route.”
Daniel nodded.
“I’m sure that’s all it is.”
I tried to believe him.
Thirty minutes passed.
The sky turned from gold to orange.
Still nothing.
I sat upright.
“Aren’t they taking a while?”
Daniel looked toward the water.
“A little.”
Another boat returned.
Different riders.
Different faces.
The beach slowly emptied as families headed inside for dinner.
I stood.
“I’m going to ask someone.”
The rental attendant looked up as I approached.
“My daughter was on the last banana boat with a boy named Liam. They haven’t come back yet.”
He frowned and checked his clipboard.
“They should have.”
My stomach tightened.
“What do you mean?”
“The ride normally takes 20 minutes.”
He grabbed a radio.
“This is Dock One. Checking on the sunset run.”
Static.
He tried again.
Nothing.
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