We spent most of that entire day walking around on the beach. First we set a large tree branch upright in the sand, so that we would recognize it when we got back to the spot. Then we started off, walking on the shore. We found that we were, in fact, on an island. We estimated it to be about twenty miles around, give or take a few. We thought that we could walk at least four miles in an hour, and that we walked for about five hours.

The strange thing about the island was that it was never sunny. I don't think the sun ever came out in the entire time that we were there. It was always foggy, as if a cloud had claimed the island to be its homeland.

On the second day, we went inland, but there was not much to see. It was just hills after hills. We did find some fruit, though, and a stream of fresh water. We tried to start a fire, but everything was damp and it would not light. We were stuck.

"Well, Darya, looks like we'll be staying here for a while," Brennan remarked, as we sat upon the beach.

I nodded. "At least until another ship comes this way."

There was a crack of thunder in the distance. Brennan and I glanced at each other. We were in for a wet night.

The wind howled and pushed at us, as if trying to force us back to the sea. Rain pounded down on us, as if it meant to drown us in a watery death. We huddled together, in a desperate attempt to keep warm.

"Darya," Brennan whispered into my hair.

"What?"

"This storm really, and being on this island, isn't really very pleasant."

"No, it's certainly not," I agreed with him.

"But—I'm glad I'm with you," he said.

I smiled onto his shoulder. "Me too," I said softly.

In the middle of the night, the wind was still roaring, and the waves of the sea were up past my head. Brennan and I were trying to sleep in the dryest spot we could find, which was not very dry. I left him asleep, close to where I had been lying. I stood up and started to walk towards the sea.

It was, perhaps, the oddest thing I have ever experienced. I had no idea why I was going to the sea, and indeed it did not seem like a very good idea if I had tried at all to reason. But I felt like I had to go, like it was calling to me. When I got to the surf, the waves slammed into my knees and up around my thighs. I paused for a moment, just looking out. Then I continued walking into the water.

"Darya!" it was Brennan.

I looked back at him, then back to the sea. I was mesmerized by it. When I didn't turn back, Brennan ran out to me, grabbed my arm, and dragged me back to shore.

He grabbed my shoulders. "What are you doing!"

I opened my mouth, then shut it. I looked back at the sea. Brennan grabbed my chin, forcing my gaze away from the ocean.

"What are you doing?" he asked again, this time slightly softer.

"I—I don't know," I said at last.

Brennan's face showed all the confusion I felt.

I bit my lip. I was frightened, slightly. I had just very nearly walked out to sea, and to the crashing waves. I had nearly killed myself, with absolutely no reason. I hadn't even wanted to, I just...I didn't even know.

I didn't notice the tear on my cheek until I felt Brennan brush it away. He pulled me close to him. He was warm, and comforting.

"It's okay. Just—don't—don't do that again, okay? You scared me."

"I know. I scared myself."

I relaxed in Brennan's arms, letting myself just breathe.