As Jessie climbed down into the rowboat, Lana scooted over on the bench to make room for her.

Answer 1

The gentle sway of the boat rocked them slightly as Jessie settled in, her foot slipping awkwardly on the damp wood. "Thanks for making space," she said, tucking her backpack between her feet to keep it from tipping over.

Lana grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can’t believe we’re finally doing this! Just you, me, and the open water." She adjusted her hat against the bright sun and took hold of the oars, her enthusiasm palpable.

Jessie laughed softly, although a hint of nervousness lingered. "Yeah, I just hope we can actually get somewhere without sinking." She glanced around at the still, shimmering lake, the towering trees lining the shore casting long shadows over the water.

"Don’t worry! I’ve got us covered," Lana replied confidently, a mischievous glint in her eye. With a swift motion, she began to row, the oars slicing through the water with a rhythm that soon became soothing.

As they drifted further from the dock, Jessie leaned back and took a deep breath, the fresh air filling her lungs. It felt liberating, like a breath of freedom away from the responsibilities of their everyday lives. The sound of distant laughter from other boaters faded, and for a moment, it was just them and the gentle lapping of the waves.

"Do you ever think about how big the world is out here?" Lana asked, pausing to let the oars rest in the water for a moment. "How many adventures are waiting just beyond the shoreline?"

Jessie nodded, her gaze following a lone bird that skimmed across the surface. "All the time. And I can’t wait to find them. But I guess we should start with our own little adventure, huh?"

Lana grinned and resumed rowing, her eyes set on a cluster of small islands visible on the horizon. "Just imagine! We could discover hidden coves, maybe even spot some wildlife. Just you wait!"

Jessie chuckled, feeling her worries start to slip away as the boat glided smoothly through the water. The sound of their laughter and the rhythm of the oars became a melody that melded with the peace of the lake, and for the first time in a long while, Jessie felt truly free.