A luxury cruise ship sailed quietly across the North Atlantic, like a palace floating on the sea.
The ship was magnificent. Its enormous hull was painted pure white, a striking contrast against the blue sky and deep ocean. Gold trim gleamed in the sunlight like a scattering of stars.
On deck, a breeze brushed Jerry's cheeks, carrying the fresh scent of seawater and the faint promise of distant islands. He slowly opened his eyes to a view as lovely as a painting. Sea and sky met in a sweep of blue, while sunlight danced across the waves like countless diamonds.
Jerry leaned against the railing and let the breeze stir his hair. Gazing into the distance, he felt as though the boundless ocean had taken in every trace of his weariness and worry. He had complained plenty to Catherine about traveling to the United States by cruise ship. Now he had just two words for it: totally worth it!
"First time traveling by cruise ship?"
A drunken woman stumbled onto the deck. She looked about thirty, with brown skin, though her features did not appear Indian. She was probably of mixed ancestry.
The heavy smell of alcohol made Jerry take an involuntary step back. He frowned at her, his good mood gone.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not drunk." Smiling, the woman offered him her bottle. "Want a taste?"
Jerry quickly waved it away. "Sorry, I'm not old enough to drink!" He turned to leave.
"What a good boy!"
Jasmina Garcia did not press him. She tipped her head back for another swig, then caught sight of Catherine approaching. Her eyes widened with excitement, and she grabbed Jerry's hand.
"Hey, kid, how about we make friends? I'm Jasmina Garcia. That beautiful, charming lady... is she your girlfriend?"
Jerry swiftly