When Rio woke up, sunlight streamed through the hospital window. He must have been unconscious all night. Blinking against the brightness, he took a shaky breath.

A doctor entered, checked him over without a word, and then quietly stepped outside. Muffled voices murmured beyond the door.

Moments later, Arnoll’s father, Rear-General of the Royal Canadian Navy, walked in. His usual stern expression softened into a warm smile as he looked at Rio.

“We missed you, Rio,” he said. “Your mother is here to see you.”

Before Rio could react, the door burst open.

His mother.

She rushed to his bedside, wrapping him in a tight embrace. Rio felt her tremble as she pulled back just enough to see his face, tears glistening on her cheeks.

Rio smiled weakly. She let out a choked sob and kissed his forehead.

“Rio, oh Rio! I missed you so much. I thought you were gone! I’m so sorry, Rio. I love you, my dear!”

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

She hugged him again, holding him as if she would never let go.

“Thank God you’re alright,” she whispered. “What would I do without you?”

Before Rio could answer, the door creaked open again.

A nurse stepped in, but she wasn’t alone. Two figures followed behind her.

Rio’s breath caught in his throat.

Arnoll’s mother. And—

Arnoll.

For a second, Rio thought he was dreaming. He stared, frozen, as Arnoll stood there, looking just as shocked.

Arnoll’s mother covered her mouth, tears spilling down her face as she saw Rio. “Oh, my dear boy,” she whispered. She stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You survived.”

Rio barely heard her. His eyes were locked on Arnoll.

Arnoll blinked rapidly, like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Then, in a sudden, desperate motion, he rushed forward and hugged Rio tight.

“You’re alive,” Arnoll breathed. “You’re actually alive.”

Rio’s throat tightened. He couldn’t speak. He just held on to his best friend, feeling the warmth, the reality, the impossible truth—

They had both survived.

“Arnoll, you’re alive!” Rio cried out in joy. “How? I thought I lost you!”

Arnoll let out a shaky breath before explaining. “I fell off the float while we were asleep. I managed to stay afloat for a while before a small group of fishermen found me.”

He paused, then added, “They took me to Maritania.”

Rio stared at him in shock, barely able to process it. Then, without thinking, he pulled Arnoll into another embrace.

135 days.

They had been separated for 135 days, but now—they were finally back together.