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Nell tucked a lock of her dark hair behind her ear and bent to dip her fingers in the water. “It feels good on a warm day liketoday.” Nell took off her shoes, placed them on the side, and sat on a large rock, watching the waterfall. She kicked her feet in the water, contentment written on her features. Her stomach growled, a low rumble.

“I’ve got a snack.” Maklr placed a sandwich and a water bottle on the rock between them. He grinned when she didn’t hesitate to take the food.

Maklr wondered what Nell was thinking, but didn’t dare break the serenity on her face. She chewed the sandwich, staring at the waterfall in contented silence.

As the sun rose higher in the sky over the horizon, the weather warmed. Laughter and a mixture of masculine and feminine voices became louder and clearer. Nell’s hands trembled. “It’ll be alright,” Maklr said. “Remember what the receptionist said. This is a popular destination. I’m with you.” Although Nell nodded, the fragile peace that had existed in her eyes before vanished.

“Maklr!” Philtan’s booming voice rang out. “Good to see you again.” Phil ambled down the path, his arms slung over two women’s shoulders. One was a Klagan, her light blue skin contrasting beautifully against a white, human-style bikini. The other woman, wearing an almost identical bikini, appeared human, but she could have been Sudabian. Philtan tilted his head toward the Klagan woman before he stripped his shirt and ran forward over the rocks. He barrelled forward in Nell’s direction. Pebble scattering with his footsteps before he cannon balled into the waterfall’s pool below.

Water splashed everywhere. Nell squeaked, covered her head with her hands and pulled her knees up to her chest.

“Phil, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Maklr raised his voice once his friend’s head emerged from the water.

“Having fun.” Phil tilted his head. “Aren’t you? You’re always so serious, Mak. Lighten up and live a little.” He winked. “Come on, ladies. The water’s warm. I’ll catch you.”

The women entered the pool more gracefully than their companion. They splashed around, flicking water on each other's faces, and laughed maniacally when the human-looking woman grabbed Philtan’s long braid. They worked together and pulled him backwards under the water. “Serves him right for being a jerk to you,” the Klagan female said.

Nell forced a smile onto her face.

“We were just leaving.” Maklr started to pack up, his hope for a peaceful day with Nell shattered.

Nell stood. She bent to wipe the dirt off her knees and calves.

“I know you,” Philtan said, his voice serious for the first time.

“Doubtful,” Maklr said.

“No, I do,” Philtan insisted. “Beyond the singing, I mean.”

“How?”

Phil squinted while studying Nell. “Yes, I do know you. You were on the Harem ship.”

“Harem ship?” Maklr asked.

Tears sprang to Nell’s eyes.

“Yes. You look good. I hope you’re doing well. I didn’t recognize you at first.”

“What are you talking about?” Maklr’s voice deepened. “Stop.”

Oblivious to Nell’s discomfort, Philtan continued. “You were the injured one, with all the bruises. I’m glad you survived,” Philtan said. “Do you know if they ever caught him?”

Nell gasped.

“Who? What are you talking about?” Maklr’s gaze bounced between Nell and Philtan.

“It’s nothing,” Nell whispered.

“Judging by the haunted look in your eyes, I’d say it’s not nothing,” Philtan said. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and Mak but you can trust him.”

Phil reached up to Nell.

She took two small steps backward; her calves scraping against the rock steps. Nell turned and ran back toward the cabin, never looking back.

“What did you do?” Maklr yelled at Philtan. “Nell and I were having a wonderful morning, and you had to ruin it with your blabbering.”

Maklr jumped into the water, balled his fist, and punched Philtan square in the jaw.