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“Nice one!” I exclaim. “Me again!”
Lily picks up another kernel, locking her eyes on my mouth. I grin with anticipation, ready to catch. The popcorn soars through the air. She watches in suspense as it lands right on target.
“Your aim is getting better!” I tease.
Lily smiles before flopping backwards on the couch, allowing her head to dangle upside down and her feet to wiggle toward the ceiling.
As we continue our playful game of tossing popcorn back and forth, my mind can’t help but wander to the man from that unforgettable night at Ben’s party. It's impossible to push him from my mind.
His image remains vivid in my thoughts. It was a connection I hadn't experienced before, and I couldn't help but wonder who he was and what had brought him to that masquerade party. Maybe he will show up again at another one of Ben Hawthorne’s yacht parties.
But I don’t even know what he looks like…so how will I ever find him?
“You know, Em,” Lily’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts, “we can't just rely on those turtle papers every time. We need to do something bigger, more impactful,” Lily says, grabbing another piece of popcorn and then tossing another toward my mouth.
I catch the popcorn she throws, then nod, understanding the gravity of the issue. “I mean, you're right. The papers are a start, but they won't change everything overnight.”
Lily swings her feet back and forth as they balance in the air. “What if we organize a community event, something that raises awareness about light pollution and its effects on the environment? We could get people talking, and maybe even some of the yacht owners would pay attention,” she suggests.
I mull over her idea. “That could work. I don’t know. All I know is that the light pollution at Sovereign Harbor is getting worse. It's not just about the turtles anymore; it's affecting the entire ecosystem.”
Lily nods in agreement, her expression equally troubled. “Those neon lights, especially during parties, they're blinding. Those poor animals.”
I toss a piece of popcorn into my mouth, then add, “I can only imagine what will happen once the mating season comes around full circle. All those turtles would have no idea where to go. They rely on the darkness, you know, to find their way from the nest to the ocean.”
“That’s why something’s got to change at that damn marina. And fast.” Lily says.
Suddenly, there is a knock at the door.
I get up from the couch, leaving our game of popcorn behind, and walk to the door of our apartment. With a curious glance back at Lily, I turn the handle and open the door to reveal an unexpected visitor.
I'm met with the sight of a woman who appears to be in her early thirties, dressed in professional attire. She has a determined look in her eyes and a notepad in her hand.
“Hello,” she begins with a warm but focused smile. “I'm April Skylark from the Miami Times. Sorry for showing up unannounced.”
She extends her hand for a friendly shake and then hands out her business card. Her appearance exudes confidence with her neatly styled blonde hair, a dark blazer, and a pair of glasses perched on her nose.
Lily and I exchange surprised glances.
“Well, hello,” I begin, unsure of how to proceed. “Come in, please.”
She walks into our living room and Lily immediately swings herself into an upright position more suitable for unexpected company.
“A lovely place you have here,” April comments.
“Does the trick,” Lily responds.
“Can I get you anything?” I ask the reporter. “We have coffee, tea...”
“Wine,” Lily chimes in.
April smiles gently and shakes her head. “No, I’m okay. Thank you.” She takes a seat next to Lily and continues, “I recently wrote an article about your turtle protest at Sovereign Harbor. Did you happen to read it?”
Lily’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god, that was you?”
April nods.
“That article was awesome! You made us sound like rock stars,” Lily continues.
