CHAPTER 154: Three Reasons

TYSHA

The guilt was like a stone in my stomach after I left Rue stranded on that sandbar in the middle of the sea. It was a rash decision, one that I regretted as soon as I made it. Still, I couldn’t get myself to turn back.

As I walked back to the resort, everything was quiet. Adam was there, leaning against the railing, a cup of coffee in his hand. He looked up as I approached, his casual smile fading when he noticed I was alone.

"Where's Rue?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

I avoided his gaze, focusing on a spot just past his shoulder.

"He's still out on the sandbar," I said, my voice neutral. "Could you... could you go pick him up?"

Adam set his coffee down.

"Did something happen? Did you guys argue?" There was a gentle probing in his voice, an offer to listen, and to help.

But I wasn't ready to talk about it, not yet.

"It's nothing," I said quickly, too quickly. "Just... please, can you get him?"

He studied me for a moment longer, searching for an answer I w