We step out onto the expansive deck where everyone has already gathered. I stay back a bit, and Nolan remains at my side. The fireworks begin - grand and pompous, yet undeniably enchanting. From the corner of my eye, I notice that Nolan isn't focused on the fireworks; instead, he's looking at me. I turn my gaze away from the bright lights and look at Nolan. He's indeed watching me, seriously and intently. And as I look at him, I can't help but feel an unusual, almost indescribable sensation.

The fireworks conclude, and we're led to our rooms.

"Why do I need a room?" I grumble from behind as I follow Nolan. "Aren't we just sailing back?"

Instead of answering, Nolan uses a magnetic card to unlock one of the rooms. He opens the door and waits for me to enter. I stop at the doorway, and he hands me the card, which I reluctantly take.

The room is big, with half of it occupied by a bed, while a couple of armchairs, a wall-mounted TV, and a mini-bar claim the other side. I scrutinize everything and then frown at Nolan.

"Is there something wrong?" He inquires with feigned courtesy.

I redirect my gaze to the room. On the opposite wall, there's a large window that offers a breathtaking view of the fjords and the sea.

"Everything is fine," I mutter, as if I'm doing Nolan a favor, and step inside. Nolan follows, reaching for a switch on the wall.

"The bathroom is over there," he points to an inconspicuous white panel that almost blends with the wall. "Enjoy your stay." With one last glance at me, he heads for the exit.

"Hey, wait," I call after him, and he halts in the hallway. "When are we going back to the port?"

Nolan shrugs. "Are you in a hurry?"

"Not exactly... it's just... what's there to do?" I wave my hand around the room, irritated. "No my guitar, nor my notes, and hell knows where the kitchen is, and just, ugh!"

Nolan returns to the room and taps on the phone on the table. "Here, pick up the phone and ask for whatever you need. Your room is number 4, on the upper deck. Everything will be brought to you."

"Really?" I squint in disbelief.

"Well, except for the guitar. There's definitely no guitar here..." Nolan comments.

I purse my lips in displeasure. "Alright..."

I walk over to the bed and sit down, my back facing the door and Nolan. I gaze out of the window. Perhaps it's not so bad after all? I can finally have some solitude; it's so much space here, far more than at our house. It's just strange. But at least the sea is still there!

A click grabs my attention, and I turn around. Nolan is no longer in the room, and the door is closed. I quickly approach it and jerk the handle. The door swings open easily, and I peer into the corridor, catching only a glimpse of Nolan's back as he moves away.

"No one's locking you up!" He shouts without turning. "Just relax already, you psycho!"

I shut the door and flop onto the bed. It's so huge and incredibly soft. Inhaling deeply, I lean back against the pillows. I flip through TV channels, inspect the mini-bar, and twirl the little bottles in my hands, trying to guess their cost. I sample a few, but the bitter taste makes me wince.

I head to the window and open it, letting the salt spray hit my face. It's already dark, and the surrounding rocks resemble gigantic somber titans, into whose realm we've ventured. Even this massive yacht appears like a mere toy against their backdrop. And a lighthouse shines far away.

Alright, one liqueur isn't too bad, so I finish the entire bottle and return to bed. Is it really all just for me? No bumping my head on my lamp, no stumbling over books, no echoes of Todd's strumming, no Stacey darting around... No scent of mom's baking...

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door that gets me startled.

"Yes?" I respond.

Melinda enters the room, her eyes scan around before she lets out a whistle. "Damn, I think you've got the biggest room. Seriously, spill the beans - how did you manage to suck up to Nolan?"

"What? I didn't suck up to anyone!"

"Well, then, where were you two for so long?" She plops down on the bed beside me and nudges my arm with her elbow.

"I told you, I got lost!"

"And he found you!"

"He was chasing me! I was nearly scared to death! But I got him good," I say proudly.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, he has..." I lower my voice. "...a gun! A gun in his belt! I tried to warn you."

Melinda sniffs at me, disbelief in her eyes. "I see someone has discovered the mini-bar."

"Well, yes, but that's not relevant! He really has a gun!"

Melinda leans back. "Oh, the more I hear, the more I like him."

"What's there to like?!"

She rolls onto her side, propping herself up on her elbow. "You're silly. Danger and mystery always have an allure."

"Yeah, until you're knee-deep in trouble."

"You sound like a cranky spinster with no love life."

I roll my eyes. "As if I need a love life! Why are you even here?"

"Me? I was just... you know, curious."

"Looking for Nolan, I suppose. I really don't get it. Do you honestly believe that blatantly throwing yourself at him will lead anywhere?"

Mel gives me an icy look, and I suspect I've said something hurtful. She wordlessly gets off the bed and heads to the door. I watch her, puzzled, as she exits. I shrug. I didn't meant to offend her, and I didn't say anything untrue. She's a grown-up; she should understand such things.

I crawl back into bed. Moonlight dances on the dark wall, and the sound of the sea splashing draws close, enveloping me as if I'm alone in this vast abyss, like in a cradle. Oh... I should really write this down... but sleepiness takes over, and I drift into oblivion.