Page 55 of Sweet Poison

“Man, I’ve never tasted more delicious food in my life,” Uncle Cianne groans, glancing down at his plate with a look of sheer delight. “Don’t tell your mom.” He mumbles, cheeks stuffed with a fluffy pancake and syrup, while he flashes a mischievous grin.

I smile and gesture to my mouth, locking my lips with an exaggerated wink, letting him know his secret is safe with me.

Leaning back in my chair, I take a moment to soak in the morning view. The early sun spills golden light over our table, making everything glow with warmth and cheer. Uncle and I are both in our beachwear, ready to spend the day in the sun.

I left my laptop and research notes in the suite because today it’s all about indulging in sun, sea, and adventures.

We’re seated at a table with a stunning view of the ocean, the sound of waves a soothing background to our breakfast. The table like everything else is adorned with holiday cheer. There’sa red tablecloth that pops against the soft, sandy tones of the restaurant. Twinkling fairy lights dance overhead, sparkling all around us, while a small, cheerful centerpiece— a cluster of tropical flowers wrapped in silver tinsel— adds to the holiday fun.

I glance down at my uncle's plate, piled high with waffles decked out in red, white, and green sprinkles, top with a mountain of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. “You’re really embracing the festive mood this morning, Uncle,” I say with a chuckle, eyeing the holiday-themed breakfast he ordered.

He laughs, cutting into his waffles with gusto. “Fuck, yeah, Orla. It’s not every day we get to celebrate Christmas in paradise. Besides, a little holiday cheer makes everything better. Don’t you think so?”

“Sure does.” I look down at my own plate—a red and white omelet shaped like a candy cane, sprinkle with oregano that looks like festive garland. It looks just as delicious as it is whimsical. I’ve been dying to taste it.

But before I can dig in, my uncle reaches into his pocket and pulls out a neatly folded piece of red paper. “This was left at the door for you.”

“What is it?”

He unfolds the paper and places it in front of me. “I believe it is some kind of itinerary for your day off. Is that part of your trip package? Did your company arrange it?”

I have no clue.

I take the paper from him and scan the list confused, but then my eyes widen in delight. “Swimming with baby sharks? Snorkeling at the coral reef? No way!”

I don’t remember any of that being mentioned in our meetings before we traveled here. They only covered the hotel facilities and the trips to the Amazon rainforest.

Uncle nods, a twinkle in his eye. “It sounds fun, kid. Go crazy, yeah? You deserve all the fun—besides, it’s your day off.”

I’m practically bouncing in my seat. “But… but who could’ve done this?”

Uncle takes a sip of his coffee, clearly happy with my reaction. “I don’t know, sweetheart. Maybe it was that pretentious nerd you worked with. He seems pretty taken by you.”

Pretentious? Does he mean Ethan? Could he have done this? No. I don’t think so.

With a happy heart, I finish my omelet, glancing at the itinerary spread out on the table. I think about who could have arranged all these activities for me and how thoughtful the gesture is.

I’ve always dreamed of swimming with sharks, but I never had the chance. I think I somehow lost my nerve over the years, but today I’ll finally get to cross that off my bucket list.

Maybe Mom was right—this trip really could be magical.

Between the quirky holiday-themed breakfast and the exciting activities ahead, it feels like the perfect start to a day of adventure and wonder. A thrill bubbles in my chest, a sense that today’s going to be incredible, and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for me.

The scentof salt and coconut fills the air, mingling with the sound of waves crashing rhythmically against the shore as I walk towards the beach’s lobby.

I glance down at my white flip-flops, feeling the smooth wood beneath my feet. My heart races with a mix of excitement and nerves as I think about finally swimming with sharks. Whatif they’re not as friendly as I read they are? But the thought of accomplishing something I always dreamed of doing pulls me forward.

A few more steps and the lobby comes into view, a charming open-air space with palm fronds swaying gently above. A few guests lounge on plush cream-colored cushions, sipping fruity drinks. With a pep in my step, I approach the desk where a pretty lady with fiery red hair, clad in a bright polo, greets me with a welcoming smile.

“Oh, hello there. I’m Suzette, and I’ll be your guide today! You must be Willow,” she says, while using sign language, her voice high-pitched and inviting. How lovely that everyone here seems to know sign language. It’s a relief since most places back home don’t tend to be more accommodating to people with disabilities.

This hotel really is a dream come true. All my nerves about being here have slowly melted away with every passing moment. “Yeah, that’s me!” I sign, trying to match Suzette’s enthusiasm.

“Are you ready for an adventure, Willow?” she asks, handing me a waiver to sign. I can’t help but grin.

I can hardly wait. The ocean sparkles just beyond the lobby, and I can almost feel the cool water around me already. My fingers tap on the desk as I quickly scribble my name, excitement building with each stroke.

I look around noticing that there’s nobody here but me.“Hey, Suzette,” I sign, looking at her. “Will more people be joining us on the excursion?”

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