Page 125 of Storm and Sea

“I have one more term of school before I graduate. Then I can stay in Baia Vita year-round.”

She couldn’t wait to be done; no more heartless dorms with heartless roommates—just her, the sea, and the people she loved.

“Is school where they teach you to read and stuff?” Nyel asked.

“Yep. I’m lucky that my mama left me some money so I could go. Not many of us from the island do.”

“Yeah. That’s really cool,” he said, and she didn’t miss the longing in his voice.

“You know, there is a program to help people learn the basics. If you’re interested.”

“What do you mean?”

Marina waved a hand. “Basic stuff. Reading, writing, and math. Some science. It’s just surface-level material. It’s only one term, but that’s plenty of time to give you a foundation.”

“Is it expensive?”

“Not as expensive as going full-time like I do.” Realizing she sounded pretentious, she added, “The country is trying to increase its literate population, so they’re making this program more available for everyone. I think it’s great!”

“But let me guess, it’s on the mainland,” Atreus chimed in.

“Well yeah, that’s where I go to school,” Marina said matter-of-factly and, once again, somehow managed to say something wrong as Nyel’s shoulders drooped.

“That’s too bad,” he said miserably.

“You don’t want to see the mainland someday?” Marina asked. Given Nyel’s curious nature, she was sure he’d enjoy the adventure.

“It’s not in the tides for me.” Nyel finished tying a flag. “How many more of these?”

“Not too many. We’re almost at the top.”

They reached the peak, and Marina had to admit it was a tough climb. Sweat trickled down her back and under her boobs. She leaned heavily against the water well, lifting the hem of her shirt to wipe her brow.

“C’mon, I’m right here!” Atreus yelled, shielding his eyes with one hand and turning away.

Marina dropped her shirt. “Oh, don’t be such a baby. They’re just boobs.”

“No, they’re your boobs, which is ten times worse,” Atreus said, his face still turned in self-defense.

“What’s wrong with my boobs? I think they’re rather nice. Nyel, are my boobs weird?”

“Don’t ask him that!” Atreus yelled, and Marina snorted a laugh.

“Can we not talk about—you know—that?” Nyel’s timid voice interjected, and just from the sound of it, Marina knew he was beet red.

“Yes, please. New subject,” Atreus begged. “Marina, why are we here?”

“We’ll set up a water station here. Can’t have those kids passing out from dehydration.”

“And you thought the top of the hill was a good spot for it?” he complained, setting down the now empty bin of red flags.

“Would you rather carry gallons of water up the hill? I didn’t think so,” she said, squeezing the handle attached to the well. “All we have to do is make sure this puppy works, and we’re done here. Nyel, can you shine the light?”

Nyel did before pointing the beam down the black hole. The light never reached the bottom.

“How deep is this thing?”

Marina shrugged. “Don’t know. Wanna jump in and see?”