Chapter 10: Beyond the Horizon

Now a renowned marine biologist, Ethan returned to Monterey Bay as a keynote speaker at the Marine Institute.

“I wasn’t the smartest kid in the room,” he told the audience, “but I was the one who refused to stop listening to the sea.”

Afterward, he walked along the beach where it all began. Children played in the tide pools. One young girl with a notebook reminded him of himself.

He bent down. “See that snail? That’s a limpet. It clings even during the storm.”

She smiled. “I want to learn more.”

He handed her a shell. “Then never stop asking questions.”

As the sun set, Ethan stared at the waves and whispered, “The ocean gave me a voice. Now, I give it mine.”