The two boats moved side by side. Too close. The larger vessel rose and fell heavier in the water. Each swell pushed it toward them— then away again. Andrew fought the wheel, keeping distance. “Watch the timing,” he said. “If we bump wrong, we’re done.” Jack nodded, eyes locked on the gap. The difference in size felt worse up close.
Their boat dipped lower with each wave. The other one barely moved. “Wait for it…” Andrew said. The swell lifted them both— aligned for just a second. “Now!” Jack jumped. His foot hit the deck— slipped—his body pitched sideways— then he grabbed the railing hard.
“Got it!” he yelled. Andrew edged closer. Too close. The hulls knocked once— a heavy thud. The smaller boat rocked violently. Andrew steadied it, then stepped across. The moment he landed— something felt off. Too still. Too quiet.
The music played softly inside. Fishing rods swayed. Everything looked normal. Except— no one was there.