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.

expected Violeta to plead with them to join,

quarters,

"Violeta, what

sleep. If

end, she wouldn't

likely felt the outing

out the endpoint of

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

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

class, likely joining to

boat could accommodate

boats each, their group had only

up, Violeta positioned herself at the bow, taking charge

meagre numbers and dispatched two lads from the student council as reinforcements to bolster their

it lessened

Skyward ahead, where locals awaited their arrival. The first to

feast, everyone's excitement soared. Lake Skyward crabs were renowned

night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this boating activity to reward the students with a

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

commenced, Nolan, clad in a life

off on their

Kaylee, and the two student council helpers,

manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers,