Still, I slip past it with ease, swimming out to the old camp without bothering to grab a boat; it’s reckless, but I’m closer and closer to the portal with every stroke. Gil came to my world every single year—he kept his promise.
I won’t make him wait any longer until I keep mine.
The charm still works; I knew it would. I swim deeper, looking for the glow of the portal and although it still aids me in breathing underwater, the hum of magic is different now.
Weaker.
Like I’m standing on the steps of a house, but the porch light is off, and doors are slammed closed.
I get out of the water, pacing the length of the shoreline. Checking my phone, I refresh the newly downloaded social media apps where I found, and DM’d, Heather’s mom, hoping to be able to get in touch with her. Considering the woman has over two million followers, and the fact that I probably look like a spam account, it’s a long shot, but it’s the only idea I have. Still, there’s nothing in my inbox besides a welcome message from the app.
Without any other leads, I dive into the water once more. I’ll stay out here as long as it takes.
The drawing Grams found of us is tucked in the pocket of my UV hoodie, safe and next to my heart. I wanted to show it to him.It’s proof that he’s not the only one who remembered.
Holding out my bracelet, I wade deeper into the water once more, steadying my breath as I focus on the memories of Gil’s house.
The fireflies that danced in the air.
The sound of the water hitting the dock.
Clawrece thudding her tail on the wooden floors.
Gil’s smile.
Closing my eyes, I hum the music that filled my heart at the festival of The Four Sisters.
“Take me home.” I whisper into the water. “Please.”
Light skims across the springs, glittering like a million diamonds until it lands on me. A laugh that’s half sob escapes my throat, as I ready myself then—
“What are you doing out there?” A voice yells out—I look towards the shore and notice the shadow of the park ranger—and this time he’s not alone.
Chapter 32
Gil
One week earlier
It has been one week.
One miserable, Marina-less week.
Time has been made even lonelier by the act of bookkeeping at the office. I’ve never had much of a problem with numbers, but I’ve made more mistakes than ever during the day. My nights have been spent searching the springs from top to bottom, and I’m certain a fish ate my glamour. Good thing the charms are attuned, or the boat tour guests might have an odd sight to contend with.
I’d like to be able to say I’ve avoided the surface without my disguise, but that’s proved impossible. Marina’s cabin was still filled with her notebook pages. I couldn’t let them be snatched up by housekeeping and thrown away. So, I snuck up there when the moon was high after a long night of searching, and retrieved all that was left behind.
For now, the messy pile of notebook paper sits on my kitchen table, and in idle moments I’ve been binding it back together. Something I’d much rather be working on than the numbers I’m currently lost in.
“You doing alright in here?” Mama peers over my shoulder like she’s about to help me with homework.
“As alright as I can be,” I admit, letting my posture fall. She’d see through any false bravado regardless. “I fear for what itmeans that she’s still gone. Hopefully her Grams is recovering alright—but I’m worried, about them both.”
“There’s really no way to contact her?” Mama asks. “Surely we could send a message—something.”
“I wish I’d thought to get her phone number, but we had to say goodbye so quickly.” I tug at the bracelet on my wrist. “Heather has been looking into it for me, but understandably, has enough on her plate. I wish I could show up to her door as I am.
Mama lets out a low hum and nods.
