The long fronds caressed our skin like silk as we swam through the kelp forest. Schools of fish wove between the stalks, their scales glinting in the dim light. The gentle sway of the plants and the sound of bubbles rising soothed me. After the chaos back home, I welcomed this island of tranquility.
Kaimana glided beside me, his eyes round with wonder. Though he had seen spectacular sights already, his curiosity never waned. I envied his appreciation for the most minor details.
"How much farther to the reef?" he asked.
"Not far now. Can you feel the change in the water?"
Kaimana closed his eyes, sensing subtle currents flowing from up ahead. "It tingles against my skin."
"That's the energy of new life. The coral spawns again, continuing the eternal cycle."
We emerged from the kelp onto a seafloor carpeted in coral polyps. They pulsed with inner light like stars embedded in stone. Fish of impossible colors flitted between them.
Kaimana squeezed my hand. "It's incredible, Kalena. Thank you for sharing this with me."
I smiled, my heart full. With Kaimana by my side, I was home.