CHAPTER 9

Emiliana, Jace, and the journalist work tirelessly for days, compiling evidence and trying to find a way to expose the camp director's embezzlement scheme. They spend long hours going over financial records and talking to parents of campers, trying to piece together the full extent of the director's wrongdoing.

One afternoon, Emiliana and Jace decide to take a break and go for a walk around the lake. The journalist stays behind to continue going over some records.

As they walk, Emiliana feels a sense of calm wash over her. The lake is calm, and the trees rustle gently in the breeze. Jace takes her hand, and they walk in silence for a few moments, enjoying the peace.

Finally, Jace breaks the silence. "Do you ever think about what life would be like if we hadn't come here?" he asks.

Emiliana thinks for a moment before answering. "I don't know. I mean, I'm glad we're here now, and we're doing something important. But before we got here, I was just...existing. I wasn't living, you know?"