Tough Life

June 7th 2025

The gentle rocking of the boat was no longer a novelty; it was a deep, resonant lullaby. For Brandy and Katniss, the past few weeks had been a whirlwind of open water, new ports, and the constant hum of the engines. Every sunset had promised another adventure, every sunrise another horizon. But now, as the morning sun dappled through the portholes, casting shifting patterns on the cabin walls, it was the sweet, profound promise of sleep that beckoned them.

Brandy was curled on her bunk, her face buried in a pillow, a soft snore escaping her lips, Katniss, sprawled out next to Brandy, likely dreaming of the endless blue. The boat, usually alive with the chatter of their exploits and Greg’s steady presence, was remarkably quiet.

Out on deck, Greg was meticulously working. He moved with a practiced grace, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tinkered on various things. He knew the girls were utterly wiped out. He’d seen the cumulative exhaustion in their eyes as they’d navigated tricky currents and spent hours on watch. The boat was their home, their passion, but it demanded its pound of flesh, and for Brandy and Katniss, that payment was being collected in the form of deep, uninterrupted slumber.

He tightened a cleat, then paused, looking towards the cabin. He could almost feel the weight of their exhaustion, the peaceful oblivion they were currently enjoying. He chuckled softly. “Cruising’s a tough life,” he muttered to himself, “especially when you’re having too much fun.”

Inside, Brandy shifted, drawing her knees closer. The faint scent of salt and the gentle creak of the boat’s timbers were soothing. She usually woke with the sun, eager for the day’s plans, but today, her eyelids felt glued shut with the promise of more rest. Katniss let out a loud howl as she dreamed of chasing squirrels on land. 

Hours passed. The sun climbed higher, warming the deck. Greg continued his work,  he knew that when Brandy and Katniss finally emerged, blinking and refreshed, the boat would once again be filled with their energy, their stories, and their plans for the next great adventure. But for now, in the quiet hush of the morning, the rhythmic sway of the waves was their only companion, gently cradling them into the deepest, most well-deserved sleep.