The final morning on Haven Bay Island arrived quietly, the sky turning soft pink and gold before the sun had fully risen.
Jade woke first, the cabin still dark except for the faint light slipping through the window.
She lay still for a moment, listening to Rose's even breathing across the small gap between their bunks.
Then she slipped out of bed, pulled on a hoodie, and stepped onto the cabin porch without making a sound.
A minute later the door creaked open behind her.
Rose stepped out, barefoot, wearing an oversized sweatshirt that reached her thighs.
Her hair was loose and messy from sleep.
She didn't say anything at first — just came to stand beside Jade at the railing, shoulder brushing shoulder as they watched the horizon.
The sky slowly brightened, colours bleeding across the water like watercolour on wet paper.
Rose let out a small, contented breath.
"I've never seen a sunrise like this before."
Jade glanced at her.
"Me neither.
Not like this."
They stood in silence as the sun lifted fully above the sea, painting everything in warm light.
Rose shifted closer.
Without thinking, she rested her head gently on Jade's shoulder.
Jade stayed perfectly still, letting the weight settle there — warm, trusting, natural.
Neither of them spoke.
The moment felt too fragile for words.
Later, after breakfast, the entire group gathered on the main beach for final photos and free time.
Maya insisted they all pose together — arms around shoulders, silly faces mixed with genuine smiles.
Noah took several pictures with his camera, then handed it to a teacher so the four of them could be in one shot together.
In the photo, Rose stood between Jade and Maya, Jade's arm loosely around her waist.
They looked happy.
Like they belonged together.
The afternoon came too quickly.
Bags were packed, cabins cleaned, and everyone boarded the ferry for the journey home.
Jade and Rose found seats near the back, away from the louder clusters of students.
Maya and Noah sat a few rows ahead, already trading stories about the trip.
Rose leaned against the window at first, watching the island grow smaller.
Then, as the ferry settled into its steady rhythm across the water, she shifted.
Without a word, she rested her head on Jade's shoulder again.
Her eyes fluttered closed.
Jade didn't move.
Not for the entire two-and-a-half-hour ride.
She kept her arm around Rose, protective and still, letting her sleep peacefully against her.
Every so often she glanced down at Rose's face — the faint freckles, the relaxed curve of her mouth — and felt something deep and permanent settle inside her chest.
This was no longer just a good friend, this was her person.
When the ferry finally docked at the mainland, the group spilled out onto the pier in a noisy, tired wave.
Maya and Noah said quick goodbyes, promising to text about photos and future hangouts.
Then it was just Jade and Rose standing near the edge of the dock, bags at their feet.
Rose turned to her.
For a moment she said nothing.
Then she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Jade in a hug that felt different from any before — tight, grateful, lingering.
Jade hugged her back just as fiercely, chin resting on Rose's shoulder, breathing in the faint scent of salt and sunscreen that still clung to her hair.
Neither wanted to let go first.
When they finally pulled apart, Rose's eyes were a little shiny.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For everything this week."
Jade swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Thank you too, for letting me be here with you."
Rose smiled — small, soft, full of something neither of them named.
"See you Monday?"
Jade nodded.
"Monday it is."
Rose gave her one last look, then turned toward the bus stop.
Jade watched her walk away until she disappeared into the crowd — the familiar braid, the gentle steps, the person who had somehow become the centre of her world without either of them ever saying it out loud.
On the ride home, Jade kept her hand in her pocket, fingers curled around the smooth pink shell Rose had given her at the tide pools.
She held it like a promise.
The trip was over but something between them had only just begun.
And for the first time, Jade let herself feel the full weight of it — warm, certain, and completely hers.