38 REEFTASTIC

"Hello, everybody. I am Koby and this is our dear Captain, Capt. Nicky. We are delighted that you wisely joined us today in our Ball Pyramid's Excursion." he warmly greeted the passengers on board.

Everyone acknowledged each other with a welcoming smile, including Zoe. She wasn't able to book a cruise before going to Lord Howe Island. But she was grateful for it.

Koby continued on. "We will have a 43 nautical mile trip out. But without a doubt, you will experience the most unforgettable scenic tour of Ball's Pyramid. You will behold the tallest sea stack in the world!"

"Yahoo!" The thrilled passengers cheered on. Some even high-fived.

Zoe smiled affectionately. 'Such a lovely crowd.'

She didn't make a mistake to go out now and took part in this expedition. The class reunion is nearing. She knew she would endure a fierce battle ahead. 

If her guess is correct and Savannah hasn't changed at all, she alone would be a handful. Much more if her critical friends would come along too.

She needs a breath of fresh air and the positive energy to withstand the negativities coming her way.

"Hold onto your seats because you are about to encounter the most incredible tour in your entire life!" Koby announced as the Jetty left the dock.

The passengers clapped their hands in obvious excitement. Except for the enigmatic lady who masked her face all the more in her scarf and her big sunglasses.

'I wonder who this woman is,' She narrowed her round eyes to assess if she connected with her before.

She wore a simple long-sleeve moss green blouse with black slacks. She hunched herself in social insecurity and secrecy. By the distinctive looks of her, she appeared like she's an elderly lady who is escaping from her turmoil in life.

"There is a possibility though that we could not enter the threshold of Ball's Pyramid today. But we could still have fun snorkeling on the northern side of Lord Howe Island."

"We would also visit the spectacular caves and cliffs below Mount Eliza." Koby reassured the crowd. It passed their fond expectations as they cheered on each other in excitement.

'I hope we could get through, though,' Zoe muttered as they near their tourist destination.

She had this feeling that her life's question will definitely be answered once she set foot on the land.

The only memory that she had is when her family visited a desolate island, an isle free from human control.

Her parents, being the owner of Cheng Medical Center, were both very busy and almost lived at the hospital. Her 13th birthday was coming up when she pleaded with them to have an out of the country trip. She wanted to have them for herself, even for once.

Zoe drew in a sharp, quick breath. 'I should've just asked to celebrate it at a fancy restaurant. No, even just an ordinary cafeteria.'

Her lips wobbled as her heart ached in recollecting her last days with her parents.

"Look! There's a flying fish!"

One young man pointed at a fish shooting up from the sea water and plunging in again. After it, there was one more and another one. The passengers all watched with eager delight at the amazing show.

Zoe blinked her eyes repeatedly and gently shook her head. Visions of the dreadful tragedy were reappearing in her conscious mind again. She glanced at where the people were staring incredulously.

As she did so, she caught sight of the mysterious woman in the shawl again. She was also looking at the performing fishes. 

But this time, the exotic fishes seemed to greet her. And the breezy wind removed the scarf that was veiling her anxious face.