Page 107 of Ripple Effect

I nestle closer. “More than ready.”

The horizon lights up, fireworks waiting in the wings. As the seconds tick by, the anticipation grows, everyone on the beachfront holding their collective breath.

Kaia and Holden, wrapped in each other’s arms, are a mirror image of Elio and me. There’s a unity, a togetherness in this moment that wraps around me like the calm after an eastern hurricane.

“Ten,” the man’s voice carries through the speaker, and we all join in.

“Nine.”

“Eight.”

Each second feels drawn out, suspended in time. My grip on Elio’s hand tightens.

“Three, two,one.”

The world erupts in color. Fireworks shoot up, painting the sky. The noise is ear-splitting, yet all I can focus on is the man by my side. He turns to me, his face illuminated by the brilliant flashes of light.

Without a word, he leans in, and our lips meet—a tender kiss that holds the promise of everything to come. A new year has finally begun.

THE END

EPILOGUE

ELIO

I stand on the sand,my feet sinking slightly with every restless shift, Gracie on one side of me, Max and LJ on the other. My eyes are trained on the water, searching for one figure in particular.

And there she is—my Daisy girl, poised and ready, her silhouette cutting through the glimmering ocean surface. She’s biding her time, waiting patiently for the perfect wave.

My stomach’s in knots, a curious mix of pride and nerves. It’s funny how even after witnessing her in action countless times, the sight never ceases to amaze me. The way she moves, the ease with which she rides the waves—it’s art in motion.

“She’s looking good out there,” Gracie says, her voice tinged with a touch of awe.

Max nods, arm wrapped tightly around his girl. “Definitely got a chance at placing in this heat. Our little Junior Champ is making a comeback.”

And that’s when it happens.

A massive wave builds behind Daisy. With a burst of speed, she’s riding it, weaving and twisting with a grace that enraptures the crowd. The performance is unparalleled, and when she finally rides back to the shore, there’s a sense of victory on her face.

She knows she’s done it.

Minutes later, when the results are announced, it’s confirmed that Daisy placed first in her heat. She was right to wait. My chest swells with pride, and I can’t wait to wrap her up in my arms, to tell her how fucking phenomenal she was.

As she approaches, her face glowing and suit dripping, I pull her close, the coolness of her skin seeping into mine.

“You were incredible,” I whisper into her hair. “Can I take a picture with your trophy later?”

She laughs, pulling back and flashing that infectious smile. “No, you can’t.”

“Ah, come on, I’ve never won anything before.”

“You beat me at Surf Pro just last week.”

“That’s true. And they can never take that away from me.”

She gives me a humorless snort. “No, babe, that one’s all yours.”

Her friends join in with their praises, each one taking their turn to hug her and snap a few pictures. But soon enough, we sneak away on our own.

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