Page 65 of Explorer’s Revenge

A year later . . .

T he sun is so bright, it almost blinds me, and the air is lighter up here.

My heart beats steadily, even as excitement nearly makes me bounce on the spot.

This is our first real exploration since the island.

Logan was cleared to go, and although we had to alter some things, we happily did so.

He’s thriving with his prosthetic, and I think he’s won more hearts than ever with his positive attitude, showing people there are no limitations other than what you place on yourself.

The last year has been one of pure happiness. We’ve created a bond so strong and tight, it’s unbreakable.

I love each and every one of them.

They still get on my nerves every now and again, and they are still Adreno boys, but now I’m an Adreno girl, and I couldn’t be happier.

Seeing the world with them and pushing limits is so much better together.

We are still scarred from what we survived, but we use it as a lesson, refusing to let it stop us.

Turning the camera, I film the sky around us before panning up to see the brightly colored hot-air balloon above us then turning it to face us, knowing the guys are crowded together behind me. Hands slip around me and faces press to mine as I smile into the camera. “Are you ready, guys?”

“Ready!” they yell in unison before their voices come again. “Love you, Dad!” It’s a habit they’ve picked up from me. Every trip, every video, they tell my father they love him. They make him a part of our expeditions, and I know he’s touched by that as much as I am.

“I love you, Dad!” I shout into the camera after them. “I’ll see you soon. Well, not too soon.” I hit end, drag my mask down, and backflip over the edge of the hot-air balloon, falling into the sky alongside my team, my family . . . my explorers.

THE END