Hooked on You

Seven years had passed since that fateful day, and Ella often thought about how unexpected and beautiful life had become. She and Ryan were no longer just partners in research and resilience—they were a family now, bound by love, purpose, and all the joy life had to offer.

Ella often thought back to their wedding day, a celebration as intimate and full of love as their journey had been. They'd chosen a secluded beach near a reef they'd helped restore, a place that symbolized their work, their love, and everything they'd fought to protect. The sky was painted in soft hues of pink and lavender as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand. Only a few close friends and family stood witness, surrounded by wildflowers, driftwood, and soft lantern light.

Ella wore a simple, flowing dress, barefoot in the sand as she walked down the makeshift aisle. Ryan had been waiting for her by the shore, his eyes filled with unguarded love, a look she would remember for the rest of her life. They exchanged vows in the open air, their words carrying over the gentle rush of waves. When they kissed, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only them, bound in love and hope for the future they would build together.

Now, years later, they were still side-by-side, still working to protect the oceans, still finding strength and joy in each other. They had moved to a cozy house by the coast, where the sea stretched out in endless blue from their back porch, and the salty breeze drifted in every morning, filling their days with peace and possibility. But their greatest joy was their son, Leo.

Five years old and bursting with life, Leo had inherited Ryan's adventurous spirit and knack for mischief. With his bright green eyes and wild curls, he was always up to something, turning their little home into a whirlwind of energy and laughter. Whether he was exploring tide pools or collecting "treasures" from the beach, he kept them on their toes from dawn till dusk, filling their lives with a vibrant chaos they wouldn't trade for the world.

Leo's curiosity knew no bounds, and every day was a new adventure. He was fascinated by everything, especially the ocean, and insisted he'd be a "water hero" just like his parents.

One morning, Ella found him attempting to dive off the back porch, proudly declaring that he was "exploring the deep" with his flippers, snorkel, and not a stitch of clothing. The neighbours laughed for days after catching sight of him, and Ryan had to reassure Leo that "deep-sea explorers" generally wore clothes on land.

Then there was the time Leo sneaked a bucket of crabs into the house, declaring them his "crew." It took Ella and Ryan hours to find and release each one, with Leo lamenting every last "farewell" to his little "pirates." And his questions! Once, he asked, "Where does the ocean go when it's sleepy?" and decided, after serious contemplation, that the ocean "took naps" like him and got grumpy in the mornings.

Today was one of those rare, quiet days. Ella and Ryan sat on the back porch, watching Leo chase butterflies around the backyard, his laughter echoing like music in the salty air.

"He's got enough energy to power the ocean itself," Ryan laughed, his arm resting around Ella's shoulders.

She leaned her head against him, a soft smile spreading across her face. "He really does. I just hope the ocean knows what it's in for," she teased. She took a sip of her coffee and looked up at him. "Remember the time he tried to 'rescue' all those crabs from the tide pool?"

Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, how could I forget? He was convinced they'd make great house pets. I still find crab shells in my coat pockets."

Ryan went inside to get the both of them a snack. Ella closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the birds, not noticing that Leo has left his spot.

Their peaceful morning was interrupted by a delighted scream from Leo, followed by the distinct splat of something sticky and wet hitting the ground. Ella and Ryan exchanged a look, half-amused, half-worried, and hurried over to investigate.

They found Leo in the middle of a glorious mud-and-seaweed concoction. He'd discovered a shallow puddle in the grass and decided it would be the perfect "deep sea" for his new "friends." A few rescued hermit crabs scurried through the mud, while seaweed and sand were liberally spread across the scene. Leo was covered head to toe in mud, a proud grin plastered across his face.

"Look, Mommy! Look, Daddy! I made an ocean!" he declared triumphantly, holding up a muddy shell for emphasis.

Ryan laughed, fighting to keep a straight face. "Well, it's certainly... unique. I'd say it's even better than the real ocean, wouldn't you, Mommy?"

Ella stifled a laugh, kneeling down beside him and brushing some sand from his cheek. "Leo, sweetheart, I think it might be time to bring this ocean indoors—for a nice bath."

Leo's face fell as he shook his head with determined stubbornness. "But I like my ocean! And I have to save the crabs!" He pointed to the little creatures skittering around the mud as though they depended on him alone.

Before he could protest further, Ryan scooped him up, careful not to let too much mud transfer onto his shirt. Leo squealed with delight, flailing his little legs in the air. "We'll bring the ocean inside, alright," Ryan said, laughing as Leo wriggled in his arms. "You just won't be covered in it this time."

As they made their way back into the house, leaving a trail of muddy footprints, Ella laughed, grabbing Leo's "rescued" crabs and promising to release them safely back into the real ocean. Leo's giggles filled the air, and Ryan couldn't resist one last playful swing, spinning his son around as they headed to the bathroom.

"Mommy! Daddy! You gotta help with the bath!" Leo insisted, reaching out to Ella with wide eyes and a mischievous grin.

Ella smiled, grabbing his little hand and guiding him into the bathroom. "Alright, little explorer. But only if you promise that the next ocean stays outside."

Leo paused, looking up at her with a solemn expression before nodding—though she suspected his promise would be forgotten at the first sight of a puddle.

And as the three of them worked to scrub away the day's adventures, Ella felt her heart swell with gratitude. Life had brought them through storms, through heartbreak, and through triumph, and here they were, together, their days filled with the laughter of the family they'd built. Holding Ryan's hand as Leo splashed them both with sudsy water, she knew this was the life she'd always dreamed of.

For them, love was the ocean they returned to, the one they would keep exploring, one adventure at a time. And as Leo erupted into a fit of giggles, launching a wave of water toward them, Ella and Ryan could only laugh, knowing that their greatest adventures were still to come.

                                                                                   The End