I stood in the empty hallway, my wet hair still plastered to my forehead.
Now what?
I looked right, then left, then right again. All the doors were closed. I could feel them pulsing with their own energy.
Cabin Three:Joseph Uncle (Raging Red)
Cabin Four:Naani and Isabelle (Breakdown Black)
Cabin Five:Dolly and Rachel Auntie (Bawling Blue)
I don’t know what the colors are for being insignificant or forgotten, but whatever shades were spilling out of me in that empty hallway were inconspicuous and invisible.
“Moti.” The door to Bawling Blue opened and Dolly peeked out. “Can you get Rachel’s stuff from her room? She’s staying with me. At least until Joseph cools down.”
I made a sign of the cross before knocking softly on Raging Red.
No answer.
I knocked again.
“What?!” The door remained closed.
“Uh… Joseph Uncle, it’s Moti. Can I get Rachel Auntie’s things from your room?”
There was some scuffling. Then Joseph Uncle opened the door and handed me a half-open, hastily stuffed bag. “Tell her she can come in and get the rest when I’m not here.”
I carted the bag back to Dolly. “Can I come in and change?”
“Now’s not a good time, Moti.”
“But where am I supposed to sleep if Rachel Auntie is in our cabin?”
“It’s a big yacht. I’m sure they can find something for you. Just go ask.”
I trudged back upstairs, looking for Hannah, and found her folding napkins into starched, white rosebuds on the dinner table.
“Sorry to bug you, Hannah. There’s been a change in the sleeping arrangements. My aunt and uncle have had a falling out and my aunt’s moved into the cabin with my mom, which leaves me without a bed.”
“I see.” I could feel the ticker tape running in her head. And then it stopped, as if she’d run out of options. “I’m afraid all the staterooms are occupied. I can’t set you up in any of the common areas. I think it’s best if we handle this discreetly. I’m guessing it’s not the kind of thing your uncle and aunt want everyone to know about. We’ll have to consult Captain Bailey about this.”
“Do you think I could freshen up before I meet the captain?”
“Of course.” Hannah looked relieved that being covered in motor oil and grime wasn’t part of my onboard fashion statement. “We have a washroom you can use, and I’ll get you a change of clothes. Is there anything particular you’d like?”
“Just my jeans. And a white top. They’re both in my hand luggage.”
“Great. The washroom is just around the corner here…”
The space transitioned seamlessly from indoors to outdoors as we approached one of the decks. It was at this point that I noticed we were heading straight for Thomas and Nikos. I ducked under one of the arches and lost Hannah.
“Moti?” I heard her calling. “Moti?”
I kept my back to the wall and crept around the other side until I was flush against the railing.
There. No chance of them seeing me now.
That was when I happened to glance down into the dark water below.
