𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

51.. give them hell, miller

As the ship glided through the clearing, the forest giving way to a more open area, Thèrese's eyes widened. She couldn't help but feel a rush of emotion. They were closer now. She could see the green dots on the screen more clearly, their numbers growing.

Thèrèse's heart leapt as the boat emerged from the forest's embrace. The sight of open space made her breath hitch. She studied the screen, her heart pounding against her ribcage. The green dots were there, they were so close now.

"We're almost there," she whispered under her breath, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.

Aris pointed out, his voice laced with enthusiasm, "Look, I think I can see some of our team!"

The team's eyes followed his finger towards the meeting point. Sure enough, they could see some familiar figures standing together, waiting. Vincent was among them.

Everyone's faces lightened up at the sight. They'd been apart for too long, and seeing them again, even from afar, felt like a weight off their shoulders.

"They're waiting for us," Gally commented, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Let's speed this up," Thomas said, a note of urgency in his voice. "No need to keep them waiting any longer."

The ship picked up speed, gliding through the water towards the meeting point. The rest of the group stood at the prow, their anticipation mounting with each passing second.

Thèrèse's fingers tightened around the handle of her screen, her eyes locked on the green dots on the screen and the people standing in the distance.

The tension was palpable, the silence broken only by the hum of the engines and the slap of water against the hull. They were so close now.

The closer they got, the more distinguished the forms of the waiting group became. Faces became clearer, expressions easier to read.

"Almost there," Nancy said softly, her voice betraying a mix of relief and excitement. The team could feel the anticipation building, the minutes ticking by excruciatingly slowly.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the boat pulled up to the meeting point. There was a moment of silence as everyone took in the sight before them. Then, suddenly, a cacophony of voices filled the air, a chorus of greetings and relief.

"It's about time you guys showed up!" Vince called out, a welcoming smile on his face.

Laughter and hugs filled the small clearing. Seeing their friends again felt like a weight had been lifted. There were back-slaps, cheers, and excited chatter as the reunited group reveled in the moment of companionship.

Jorge's hearty laugh echoed through the clearing as he embraced each member of the group. When it was Brenda's turn, he wrapped her in a tight hug, lifting her off the ground.

"My little warrior!" he boomed, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I missed you, cariño."

Brenda laughed, her frame all but engulfed in Jorge's arms. She hugged him back fiercely, her eyes gleaming with happiness.

"I missed you too, Jorge," she said, her voice muffled by his chest.

Jorge let her go, holding her at arm's length to look her over. "You've grown up so much," he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You're not my little girl anymore."

Brenda smiled, shrugging a little. "Gotta grow up sometime," she said, her tone light-hearted. "I think I'm doing a pretty good job though, don't you?"

Vince's expression turned serious. "As good as it is to see you all again," he said loudly, getting everyone's attention.