Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 255 Crab Feast

The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.

After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow's boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o'clock for the boat arrangements.

Few were keen, while most were apathetic.

Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the day's walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water....

The student council's mandate was clear and set by the school.

If their group couldn't muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader's rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.

"Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven't an ounce of strength left for rowing."

"Yeah, there's no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen."

"I'm still not going. Water terrifies me."

"I'm not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye."

More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.

After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.

Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.

Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.

join, but instead, she promptly handed over their

her quarters, she

what should we do now? They won't

it and get some sleep.

she wouldn't

felt the outing wasn't

the endpoint of the

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the

in class, likely joining

could accommodate ten

two boats each, their group had only

at the

two lads from the student council

still undermanned, it lessened their

locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated to a sumptuous

everyone's excitement soared. Lake Skyward crabs were renowned far and

since last night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake

"Bet the guys who skipped out are going to beat themselves up when

Nolan, clad in a life jacket, joined Violeta's boat to assist with

set off on their

comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student council helpers, they totalled

capacity, their smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers, their rowing speed proved surprisingly