CHAPTER THIRTY TWO – BOATING ADVENTURE

The two boats lined up, engines rumbling. Old Pete, watching from the shore, shook his head in amusement but didn't interfere. "Ready?" Rebecca called out. "Go!" Nancy pushed the throttle forward, and their little boat surged ahead. The wind whipped their hair, and spray from the waves misted their faces. Nancy's initial nervousness gave way to exhilaration as they sped across the water. "Faster, Becca!" she shouted, laughing. "We're going to win!" They raced across the bay, neck and neck with the other boat. In the end, it was too close to call, and both groups collapsed into breathless laughter. As they waved goodbye to the other boat and turned back towards the harbor, Nancy's eyes were shining. "That was amazing," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "I've never felt so... free." Rebecca smiled softly. "That's what I love about being out here. It's like all the rules and expectations just melt away." They drifted slowly back to the dock, savoring the last moments of thei