Chapter 2: Storms and Sacrifices

The scholarship application required essays, teacher recommendations, and—hardest of all—a fee. Ethan’s mother promised to help but money was tight. He offered to bus tables at her diner to earn it himself.

Over six weeks, Ethan worked late, studied harder, and mailed in his application just in time.

His efforts weren’t in vain. A letter arrived in April. “Congratulations, Ethan Blake! You’ve been selected.”

Thomas was silent at first. “What does a marine biologist even do?” he asked.

Ethan hesitated. “They study the ocean. Protect it. Heal it.”

Finally, Thomas gave a slow nod. “Then go learn to heal your sea.”