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Olivia gets on her bright yellow float, her camera left behind, no doubt for safety, and I watch her drift away, her eyes closed, a silver headset over her ears.

I help Bree into hers and murmur, “Enjoy yourself. We have everything under control. Soon, this will be in the past. You’ll start a new life, safe and sound.”

I assist the other passengers in disembarking. After all, we Andersons are known for our impeccable manners. A few women bat their eyelashes at me, and I automatically return winks of my own.

When the small boat is finally empty, I look at the caves, my gaze sweeping over the small rainbow-colored floats dotting the crystal waters like a modern art installation, when my attention snags on an anomaly.

A single yellow float out on its own, crashing against the jagged walls of the farthest cliff in the distance.

Empty.

Olivia’s float, but where is she?

My chest seizes, and without thinking, I yank off my shirt and dive in.

Chapter Fourteen

My pulse riots andteeth chatter. It’s too small. Too tight. Too suffocating.

I glance at the narrower alcove in front of me.

Are you sure you want to do this?This cave already prickles my claustrophobia. But it’s manageable.

The one ahead, though—that’s the real test.

A few minutes ago, when we floated out there, I closed my eyes and tried focusing on the meditative music. But instead of relaxation, Mia crept in. Then my parents. Then my loneliness. If I died right now, the world would lose an obedient daughter, a dutiful doctor, a decent friend.

But who the hell was Olivia Lin? Who would missher?

The discontent and resentment I bottled up erupted inside me.

Why did I always have to be perfect?

Why couldn’t I go where the wind blew me?

Why was I still stuck in the wreckage of the past, playing what I recognized was a role to make everyone around me feel better?

Why was I still afraid? Of small spaces. Of heights. Of failure.

I’m an adult. These fears shouldn’t own me.

So I veered from the tour group and paddled to the cave farthest away from the others. No witnesses. No judgment. Just me tackling my fears.

I can do this.Do it for yourself.

Maybe I can come out of these caves rejuvenated, as the guide mentioned.

Emboldened, I take a deep breath.

Then dive.

I swim toward the soft glow ahead. Considering the underwater lights illuminating the tiny alcove clearly put there by the government, I know it’s safe to enter.

My strokes are quick as I cut through the underwater entrance, the vibrant sea life—small silver fish, multicolored starfish and sea urchins dotting the rocks—keeping me company. I break the surface and rake in an inhale.

A sliver of sunlight cuts through a crevice in the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the water.

Drawing attention to how dark and small this alcove is.