Sailor set up the tripod. “I thought it would be. Another one of Crown Island’s many secrets.”
“Ready whenever you are,” Adrian said, strumming softly.
Maileah nodded, already envisioning how the video would look. She secured her phone and angled it to bring Adrian and the ocean into the frame.
“How’s this?” she asked, stepping back to show Sailor.
He leaned in close to examine the shot. “You have a good eye.”
Though heat crept up her neck at his proximity, she cleared her throat, determined to focus on the task.
She tapped the record button and motioned to Adrian to begin.
He closed his eyes, his fingers naturally finding their place on the strings.
While he played, Maileah noticed how the acoustics amplified and enriched every note. The distant waves provided a subtle, natural percussive rhythm that blended with Adrian’s melody.
When his voice joined the guitar, goosebumps rose on her arms. The lyrics of resilience and hope seemed even more poignant here, with the vast, mighty ocean as a backdrop. She glanced at Sailor and saw awe in his eyes.
“Our spirits soar, forever more,” Adrian sang.
Maileah became aware of movement on the beach behind them.
A small crowd had gathered, drawn by the music echoing from the cave. People stood in silence, as transfixed as Maileah was.
As the final note faded into the sound of the waves, a nearby bird trilled a response. The moment felt magical, suspended in time.
At last, Maileah turned off the recording, marveling at what she’d captured. Adrian was a true talent.
Sailor broke the spell first. “I think that’s your best song yet, Dad.”
“It’s truly magical, thank you,” Maileah said, struggling to put her gratitude into words. “This will mean so much to so many. I’ll edit and post it right away. I think it could go viral. If it does, the impact and exposure might be enormous.”
“That would be fine.” Adrian tucked his guitar into its case. “Use the song however you want. I wrote it for the charity, so any money it raises should go to the cause.”
“That could be very generous,” Maileah said.
Adrian slung an arm around Sailor. “The truth is, I have a vested interest. If Sailor is ever injured, he might need those medical services. Of course, we all hope not.”
“Hey, don’t curse me,” Sailor said, laughing.
A thought occurred to Maileah. “You should copyright this song.”
“Sailor handles all that online for me.” Adrian picked up his case. “I’d better head to the diner. Thanks for this, both of you.”
After Adrian left, the small crowd dispersed, leaving Maileah and Sailor alone.
Her mind brimmed with ideas. She turned to Sailor. “Do you realize what we have here? This song could be huge for the charity and your dad’s music career. Do you think he realizes that?”
“He’s heard a lot of promises over the years.” Still, a slow smile spread across his face. “But this feels different. I’m stoked about it.”
Maileah was so excited she threw her arms around Sailor in a spontaneous hug.
Quickly, he embraced her, drawing her close.
This closeness felt so right to her. Yet she pulled back slightly, searching Sailor’s face for confirmation.
“Today was incredible,” he began, his voice low and husky. “Are you…ready…”
