Bound by the Waves

Chapter 10: To Aramora

The delicious aroma of pancakes drifted through the air as I blinked awake, the soft morning light filtering into Cali's living room. I stretched, feeling the warmth of the cozy blanket wrapped around me, my senses slowly catching up to the familiar sounds of Cali's house in the morning-Lizy's giggles and Cali's gentle humming as she cooked in the kitchen.

"Morning, sleepyhead!" Cali called out, flashing a grin as she flipped a pancake. Her kitchen was bathed in the soft, golden morning light, and Lizy, her two-year-old daughter, bounced at her side, trying to reach the mixing bowl on the counter.

"Morning," I mumbled with a yawn, slowly sitting up. "Where's everyone?"

"Bella had an early meeting with her manager," Cali replied, setting a plate in front of me, "and Leya left for work before dawn. So it's just us and Mia, who's still recovering from her wine intake." She chuckled, glancing over at Mia, who was slumped over the kitchen counter, sipping coffee like it was her lifeline.

"And me!" Lizy chirped, climbing onto my lap with a big, dimpled grin. She had Cali's sparkling eyes and a head of bouncy curls that matched her personality-bubbly, curious, and always moving.

"Well, good morning to you too, Lizy," I said, lifting her up to my shoulder, making her giggle. Her innocent energy was refreshing, a sweet distraction from the heavier thoughts weighing on me.

Cali set a fresh plate of pancakes on the table, and the three of us dug in, chatting between bites. The conversation was easy, a comforting blend of laughter and familiar faces. Mia's usual sharp wit was toned down by the aftermath of last night's wine, but she still managed to make us laugh as she recounted her latest dating misadventures.

But all too soon, my phone buzzed with a reminder of my flight, and I knew it was time to leave. I took a deep breath, trying to push down the mix of nerves and excitement building in my chest.

"Looks like it's time for me to go," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

Cali's face softened as she reached out for a quick hug. "You're going to do amazing things out there, Syd. And remember, we're just a call away."

Mia squeezed my hand with a reassuring smile. "Come back with stories. And try not to fall for any dreamy doctors while you're out there," she added with a wink.

I hugged them both, then gave Lizy one last squeeze. "You be good for your mama, okay?"

"I will!" she promised, her little voice filled with all the sincerity of a two-year-old.

With one last wave, I left Cali's warm, familiar home and headed back to my apartment. I went straight to my room, packing the last few essentials and changing into a pair of jeans, a comfortable sweater, and my favorite sneakers. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I took one last look around the apartment, the reality of the trip settling in as I locked the door behind me.

As I drove toward the hospital, my mind was filled with thoughts of Aramora, the upcoming mission, and the endless possibilities of what awaited me.

As I pulled into the hospital parking lot, my phone buzzed with a new text. The screen showed an Unknown Number, but the words that followed made it clear who it was.

"Don't get too comfortable, Sydney. You might just have some company sooner than you think."

I stared at the message, my stomach twisting with a mix of surprise and irritation. There was only one person who'd send something so cryptic.

"Where did you even get my number?" I typed back, my fingers hitting the keys harder than I intended.

A few seconds later, the dots appeared, almost taunting.