Chapter 5: The Rift

Returning home after the program, Ethan was full of stories. But things weren’t the same.

Thomas had sold his boat. Claire had picked up another job. “We had to,” she said, “to help pay for your school trip.”

Guilt hit Ethan like a rogue wave. “I didn’t ask for that.”

Thomas looked tired. “You didn’t need to.”

A rift grew between father and son. Ethan withdrew, throwing himself into online lectures, marine podcasts, and local beach cleanups. His passion was undimmed—but so was his family’s struggle.

That fall, he applied for the National Ocean Youth Scholarship, which could lead to college aid. He just had to win.