The night was full of bright stars speckled about the sky like an abstract painting. Anaba pulled the ropes with her brother as they dragged the sailboat into the ocean. The waves lapped at the side of the boat, making rhythmic slapping noises.
“Kimi,” Anaba called to her brother. “Come with me, please.”
The older boy sighed and shook his head. “Mama and Papa don’t want you to go—they don’t even know that I’m helping you right now.”
“I can’t sail this thing by myself, you know that,” she said. “You wouldn’t let your little sister go out into the ocean all alone would you?” She put on her pouty face.
“It’s not that simple,” he said.
Anaba stepped into the water, knee deep, and began climbing a small rope ladder into the boat. “We always talk about going on adventures, Kimi.”
“It’s a little different when you’re a kid talking about that stuff,” Kimi said as he walked further up the beach. “I wish you good luck on your travels, though,” he smiled.
“Don’t be like that,” the young woman whined. “Don’t you want to find out the truth?” she asked as she prepared the sails. “I know they’re just stories, but… I know some of it has to be true! Please come with me,” she asked again.
Kimi sighed and rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he said and walked into the ocean toward the boat.
“You won’t regret it!” Anaba told her brother as she helped him up the ladder.