The boat drifted farther and farther out, the soft creak of its wooden hull echoing through the still morning air.
Ripples spread lazily across the lake, disturbed only by the gentle push of Nala's hands beneath the surface as she guided them away from shore.
Cassius sat near the bow, watching the mist roll over the water like slow-moving clouds. For a while, it was peaceful, quiet, even—until he frowned slightly and glanced toward the vanishing shoreline.
"Uh, Nala." He said, his brow furrowing. "Do we really have to go this far out?"
He looked back, trying to spot the land through the mist, but it was already fading into a blur.
"I mean, we can barely see the shore anymore. Can't we just stop here?"
Nala turned toward him, smiling cheerfully, her tail gently flicking through the water as she pushed the boat along.
"Oh, don't worry, Cassius! Just a little bit more." She said with that teasing tone of hers. "It's calmer down there, more serene. I promise it'll be worth it."
