Pāhonoa te oro

Sophie didn’t argue, but she didn’t look convinced. Her eyes lingered for a moment before she stepped away. Out on the open water, the boat continued forward. The sky stayed clear, and the horizon stretched endlessly. Then, without warning, the engine dipped for a moment. The boat slowed slightly, just enough for everyone to notice. Silence fell across the deck. Conversations stopped, and a few people looked around uncertainly.