Page 66 of Hidden Tide

You have always run toward rough water when everyone else turns for shore. Courage is a gift, but even the strongest captain needs a crew. When the time comes, trust your sisters. Place what I gave you where the northern star touches the sea.

Love always,

Grandpa.”

Storm blinks several times.

Ward moves beside her but doesn’t touch her until she reaches for his hand.

The technician opens Willow’s.

“My Willow,

You mend what others believe is broken. There will come a day when our family needs that gift. When the time comes, trust your sisters. Place what I gave you where the dawn first touches the water.

Love always,

Grandpa.”

Willow makes a quiet sound through the phone.

Hazel’s card comes next.

“My Hazel,

You see details the rest of us miss. Never let anyone convince you that your careful heart is weakness. When the time comes, trust your sisters. Place what I gave you where the setting sun meets the sea.

Love always,

Grandpa.”

Hazel is crying openly by the time Keating finishes.

He waits before opening mine.

I stare at my name.

Ben’s hand closes around mine.

The technician unfolds the paper.

“My Calle,

You were born with the tide inside you. You wander because you believe the next horizon holds the place where you belong. One day, you will understand that home is not an anchor holding you back. It is the hand you choose to hold when the sea grows dark.

When the time comes, trust your sisters. Place what I gave you where the compass points home.

Love always,

Grandpa.”

I stop breathing.

Ben’s thumb moves slowly across my knuckles.

Home is the hand you choose to hold.

I can’t look at him.