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,

her quarters, she prepared

what should we do now? They

get some sleep. If they don't want to go, then so be

the end, she

the outing wasn't

out the endpoint of

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

another couple turned

a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid any rifts

boat could

each, their group had only four participants, with just one lad taking the lead.

positioned herself at the bow, taking charge

from

it lessened their

where locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would

excitement soared.

scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake

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

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

set off on their

and the two student council

not at full capacity, their smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers,