The port was alive with energy. Families clung to each other's hands, couples posed for selfies, and children tugged at their parents, eager to board the enormous cruise ship towering over the bustling dock. Zack Sutter stood alone, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder as he stared up at the luxury liner. Its pristine white hull gleamed in the sun, stretching high above the docks like a floating skyscraper.
"Ridiculous," his sister's voice echoed in his mind. "What if you get stranded? Or, I don't know, catch some weird cruise virus? Haven't you seen the news?"
Zack smirked to himself and adjusted the strap of his bag. His family's skepticism hadn't swayed him in the slightest. Their complaints had been a predictable mix of paranoia and dramatics, but he knew the real reason behind their disapproval: they didn't like the idea of him traveling alone. It didn't bother him, though. Independence was something Zack valued more than most things in life, and he wasn't about to pass up the chance to see the Bermuda Triangle with his own eyes.
It wasn't just curiosity about the mysterious stories that intrigued him. There was something captivating about stepping into the unknown—something his family would never understand.
As he handed over his boarding pass and stepped onto the gangway, the subtle hum of the ship's engines vibrated underfoot. The entry hall was all polished marble floors and gold accents, with chandeliers glittering overhead. Zack couldn't help but take in the opulence. It was like walking into a palace that happened to float on water.
"Welcome aboard, sir," a chipper crew member greeted him, handing him a map of the ship. Zack nodded politely and made his way toward the elevators.
The journey to his cabin took longer than expected. The ship was a maze of long, carpeted hallways, ornate lounges, and massive dining areas. Each new corner revealed something even more extravagant than the last. Zack found himself passing an indoor pool with a glass roof, a sprawling buffet that stretched farther than he thought possible, and even a two-story shopping plaza packed with designer stores.
He finally arrived at his room on one of the mid-level decks. Swiping his keycard, the door clicked open, and Zack stepped inside. The cabin was more spacious than he'd expected, with sleek wooden paneling, a queen-sized bed, and a small balcony that overlooked the ocean. He dropped his bag on the floor and leaned against the doorframe, taking it all in.
This was his space for the next two weeks. No responsibilities, no distractions—just him and the sea.
Zack pulled the sliding door open and stepped onto the balcony. The breeze was cool and carried the faint scent of salt. The ocean stretched endlessly, a deep blue expanse that seemed to touch the horizon. He rested his hands on the railing, letting the wind ruffle his hair as he thought about what lay ahead.
His family's warnings resurfaced again. His mom had called the night before, her voice filled with worry. "Just… be careful, Zack. You hear all these stories, and I just—"
"I'll be fine," he'd cut her off gently but firmly. "It's a cruise, not a survival expedition."
And yet, standing here, staring out at the vastness of the sea, Zack couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. Not fear, exactly, but something close. The unknown had always drawn him, but now, for the first time, it felt like it was watching him back.
Shaking off the thought, Zack stepped back inside and let the balcony door slide shut. He had time to settle in before the ship departed, and he intended to make the most of it. He glanced at the map still clutched in his hand.
"Let's see what this place has to offer," he muttered to himself, tossing it onto the nightstand.
The journey hadn't even begun, but Zack could already tell—this wasn't going to be an ordinary trip