Before Our Dawn| ongoing

sixty-one

Chapitre soixante-et-un
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The ship swayed gently beneath them, a rhythmic lull that rocked Isra and Marcel in their narrow bunk. The cabin was dimly lit by the glow of the brass lamp, casting warm shadows on the walls. Above them, Klaus and Heidi were sound asleep, their small bodies curled into each other on the top bunk, blissfully unaware of the world around them.

Isra lay on her side, her head resting on her folded arms as she turned to face Marcel. He was squeezed tightly against her, the small bed forcing them into an intimate closeness that felt both comforting and slightly stifling. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, and the familiar smell of his cologne filled the space between them.

Isra shifted slightly, trying to find a comfortable position. "I think we need a bigger bed," she murmured with a teasing smile, glancing up at the wooden slats of the top bunk where the children were nestled.

He chuckled softly, careful not to wake the kids. "Or maybe we just need smaller children," he whispered back, feigning a serious expression. "They take up far too much room. If they were smaller, we could have sailed in first class."

She stifled a laugh, the sound barely escaping her lips. "Do you think it's too late to ask for another cabin?"

He shook his head, a playful grin spreading across his face. "I think we might be stuck here for the duration of the journey. Besides, who needs first class when we have this cozy little nook?"

She glanced around the small cabin. "Ah yes, our luxurious second-class suite-complete with all the charm of cramped quarters and the delightful company of our snoring children."

"Exactly! What more could we want?" He nudged her playfully with his shoulder, their bodies fitting snugly together. "Look at it this way: if we were in first class, we wouldn't get to share such precious moments like this."

Isra turned to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Moments like being squished against you while you kick me in your sleep?"

He feigned innocence, raising an eyebrow. "Me? I don't do that."

"Of course not," she replied, rolling her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "And let's not forget how you steal the blanket."

Marcel laughed, a warm, rich sound that made her heart flutter. "You mean our one blanket?"

She shook her head, pretending to be exasperated, though deep down she cherished these quiet exchanges. "Maybe I should start charging you a toll for blanket access."

"Fine," he said, his tone mock-serious. "How much for a little legroom?"

"Let's see...promise to accompany Klaus to the pool for the duration of the trip. I love my boy, but his rambunctiousness is a bit much for me at times," she said, smirking.

He leaned in, their faces inches apart. "You have yourself a deal."

"Do you think we'll find what we're looking for in Algeria?" she asked softly, the momentary lightness shifting back to their journey ahead.

He paused, considering her question as the ship swayed gently. "I think we'll find pieces of it," he replied finally. "We'll uncover bits of the past, maybe some new memories. It won't be the same, but it can still be beautiful."

Isra nodded, comforted by his words, even as a hint of doubt lingered in her heart. "Just promise me we'll do this together, no matter what."

"We're in this together, Isra. And if things get tough, we can always bribe the children with more toys to keep them quiet."