Eddy stood at the edge of the old pier, his sneakers scuffing against the weathered planks as he peered into the turbulent waters of Taiping Lake. The sun dipped low on the horizon, streaking the sky with fiery oranges and purples. The air was thick with saltiness, but the lake was fresh, an anomaly in a town known for its oceanfront. Eddy’s heart raced, a mix of fear and excitement bubbling in his chest.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” JL leaned against the rotting wooden railing, arms crossed and brow furrowed. Her skepticism was palpable, matched only by the faint smell of the fish market that lingered nearby.