The sea had finally calmed.
No storms.
No crashing waves.
Just steady movement under a fading sky.
Kevin adjusted the sails with precise control.
The ship responded smoothly again.
"…Stability restored."
He checked the hull briefly.
No serious damage.
The repairs had held.
Behind him, the girl sat against the wooden railing.
Still weak.
But conscious.
Watching him quietly.
Kevin didn't turn immediately.
He kept the ship on course.
"…You should stay seated."
The girl frowned slightly.
"…I'm not that fragile."
Kevin replied calmly.
"…Your body says otherwise."
Silence.
She looked away toward the sea.
Then spoke quietly.
"…I don't remember my name."
Kevin paused slightly.
Then glanced back.
"…Then use one."
She blinked.
"…Just like that?"
Kevin nodded.
"…Names are practical."
She hesitated for a moment.
Then slowly spoke.
"…Carina."
Kevin repeated it once.
"…Carina."
"…Yes."
No hesitation in her choice.
Just acceptance.
The ship continued forward through open sea.
No land visible yet.
Only horizon.
Kevin checked supplies.
Water still enough.
Food slightly reduced but manageable.
"…We can continue for now."
Carina watched him carefully.
"…You're always checking things."
Kevin replied.
"…If you don't check, you lose control."
She tilted her head slightly.
"…Do you ever stop controlling things?"
Kevin thought for a moment.
Then answered.
"…No."
That answer made her quiet.
A few minutes passed.
Only wind and waves filled the silence.
Then Carina spoke again.
"…What am I supposed to do on this ship?"
Kevin didn't turn.
"…Recover."
She frowned.
"…And after that?"
Kevin replied.
"…We decide."
Carina studied him carefully.
"…You don't plan very far ahead."
Kevin adjusted the sails slightly.
"…Plans change on the sea."
The wind shifted gently.
Kevin corrected the ship's direction instantly.
Carina noticed.
"…You react fast."
Kevin answered simply.
"…I observe fast."
She leaned back slightly.
"…That sounds lonely."
Kevin didn't respond immediately.
Then—
"…It is normal."
Silence returned.
But it was different now.
Less isolation.
More shared space.
Carina looked at the horizon.
"…Where are we going?"
Kevin replied.
"…Forward."
She sighed softly.
"…That's your favorite answer."
Kevin added.
"…Because it's the only real one."
The ship continued across the endless sea.
No land in sight.
Just movement.
Just direction.
Carina slowly stood up, holding the railing.
Her balance improved slightly.
"…I don't know what I'll become."
Kevin glanced at her briefly.
"…You don't need to know yet."
She nodded slowly.
"…That's frustrating."
Kevin replied calmly.
"…Good."
The wind shifted again.
Kevin adjusted course.
Smooth and precise.
Carina watched him for a while.
Then spoke quietly.
"…If I stay here… I might learn something."
Kevin didn't look at her.
"…You will."
The ship moved forward.
Carrying two people.
Not bound by promises.
Not forced by fate.
Just surviving the sea together for now.