CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY – SURFER’S WAVE

They rented a pair of surfboards from a nearby shop, the enthusiastic attendant offering them a quick tutorial on the basics of paddling, popping up, and balancing on the board. Gordon and Jasmine nodded along, their confidence buoyed by the attendant's assurances that it would all "click" once they hit the water. With their boards in hand, they waded into the cool embrace of the Pacific, the saltwater lapping at their ankles as they paddled out to where the waves were forming. Jasmine couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins, the anticipation of conquering a new challenge igniting a familiar fire within her. "Alright, you ready for this?" Gordon called out, his voice carrying over the crashing waves. Jasmine grinned, positioning herself on her board and digging her toes into the wax-coated surface for traction. "Born ready!" As the first swell approached, they paddled furiously, trying to catch the wave's momentum. Jasmine felt the board lift beneat