Chapter Four: Tides of Change

The docks were bustling with activity when Emma arrived that afternoon. Volunteers moved back and forth, carrying trash bags and sorting through piles of debris pulled from the water. The air smelled of salt and fish, mingling with the faint tang of diesel from the fishing boats moored nearby.

Lucas spotted her almost immediately. He was unloading a crate of supplies from his truck, his t-shirt clinging to his skin in the humid air. When he saw her, his face broke into a grin that made her heart skip an annoying beat.

“Well, well,” he said, setting the crate down and wiping his hands on his jeans. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Don’t get used to it,” she replied, crossing her arms. “Marla said you needed help, and I figured someone should make sure you’re doing it right.”

Lucas laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Always the skeptic. Come on, I’ll show you what we’re working on.”

He led her to a small boat tied to the dock, where a group of volunteers was carefully untangling a fishing net from a cluster of kelp. The net was torn in several places, its edges frayed from years of use.

“This is just one example,” Lucas explained. “Abandoned fishing gear like this can be deadly for marine life. Seals, sea turtles, even whales—they get caught and can’t escape.”

Emma nodded, her professional instincts kicking in. “It’s called ghost gear. It’s a huge problem worldwide. Have you reported this to the NOAA?”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “You’re the expert, not me. Maybe you should stick around and help us figure out the next steps.”

She shot him a look, but before she could respond, one of the volunteers called Lucas over. He excused himself, leaving Emma standing by the boat.

As she watched him work, she felt a strange sense of admiration. Lucas wasn’t just talking about saving the sanctuary—he was out here, rolling up his sleeves and making it happen. And whether she wanted to admit it or not, his passion was contagious.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the water in shades of gold and crimson, Emma found herself sitting on the edge of the dock, a clipboard in hand. She was drafting a report on the ghost gear, outlining steps the community could take to prevent further damage.

When Lucas joined her, holding two cups of coffee, she gave him a wary glance. “What’s this?”

“A peace offering,” he said, handing her a cup. “Figured you might need a little caffeine boost.”

She took the cup but didn’t thank him. Instead, she looked out at the water, her thoughts swirling like the tide. “You really think we can save this place?”

Lucas’s expression turned serious. “I don’t think, Emma. I know. But we can’t do it alone. We need you.”

The weight of his words settled in her chest. She didn’t reply, but as she sipped her coffee and watched the waves roll in, she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—Harbor’s Edge wasn’t just a place she’d come to say goodbye. Maybe it was a place she was meant to find herself again.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***