The horizon darkened suddenly, as if the sun itself was swallowed by the Atlantic. Soufiane tightened his grip on the tiller, eyes narrowing against the whipping wind. The waves began to grow, rolling higher, crashing against the small boat with increasing force. Amal secured the packs and held Meriem close, shielding her from the spray.
"This doesn't look good," Amal shouted over the roar of the wind. "It's coming fast!"
Soufiane scanned the sky. Black clouds gathered above, thick and low, twisting ominously. He had navigated the coastlines before, but nothing had prepared him for this. The ocean was no longer calm; it was a living entity, testing their resolve and endurance.
"Hold on," Soufiane said firmly. "We ride it out together."
The first wave hit, nearly tipping the boat. Amal's hands clutched the sides while Meriem screamed, gripping her sister. Soufiane fought to keep the vessel upright, muscles straining with every gust. Another wave crashed, splashing over the bow, soaking them to the skin. The boat shuddered violently, threatening to overturn entirely.
"Steady!" Soufiane shouted. "Lean with me, not against me!"
They worked in unison, every motion synchronized. Amal called out warnings, Meriem obeyed trembling, and Soufiane guided the boat through the relentless surf. Hours passed, each minute a battle against the ocean's fury.
Somewhere in the distance, the faint outline of a small, abandoned harbor appeared. Soufiane's eyes lit up. "If we can reach that cove, we'll have shelter for the night."
The storm raged until the last of daylight faded. Finally, they managed to maneuver the boat into the shallow inlet, waves lapping less violently against the hull. Exhausted, soaked, and bruised, they collapsed onto the deck.
Amal patted Meriem's shoulder. "We made it," she whispered.
Soufiane allowed himself a brief nod, scanning the dark waters. They had survived the first test, but he knew this was only the beginning. The journey to Younes was far from over.