“SKYLAR!” I screamed as I watched my sister drift away. 

We were in the Bahamas  packed with people around us in every direction. The temperature felt surreal, everytime my feet hit the ground my whole body felt on fire.  Me and my sister walk over to the lazy river dying to feel the cold water. The adrenaline rushed through my body, excited than ever to finally be at my favorite destination. I grabbed a tube and got in. The water was equivalent to an ice cold drink on a hot summer day. I dunked my head under as the water collapsed on top of me. The water refreshed my dried and overheated face. The river felt strong and powerful. It pulled me and I felt my body relax. I was lost in my train of thoughts until I heard my sister say something. 

“Katie - Jane, this lazy river goes on forever! When should we get off?” Skylar says annoyed.

     I knew that Skylar didn’t really want to come with me because she wanted to go on the water slides. 

“Um, I’m not sure, we just got in!” I responded, obviously not realizing she was irritated and wanted to leave. I know that I should ask her when she wants to get out but I just can't. This is the feeling I have been wanting to feel all year. I want to remember it and not worry about what my sister wants to do.

We kept going for a while. I thought I had heard someone say my name but I was focused on nothing else but the lazy river. I looked up but all I saw was a glimpse of my sister's blonde hair.

“SKYLAR!” I screamed as I watched her drift away. 

She had said something but I couldn’t hear her over all the people. She was getting off and I was too far past her to turn back! I felt like I was in despair. I don’t know what to do! What should I do? After a little, I thought it would be okay. I would just get off of the next exit and find her. I started to feel scared and worried when I remembered how big the lazy river is. Nobody cared to help me and I was lost. The happiness I had had just a few minutes ago disappeared instantly. I should have realized how she felt. After what felt like 15 minutes, I got off and looked around. I didn’t recognize anything or anyone around me. My hands started to shake as I sat down on a bench. I didn’t know what to do so I started to cry. I felt hopeless and dumb. I sat on the bench for 5 minutes trying to calm myself down until I felt a tap on my shoulder. 

“Hi honey, are you okay?” A woman asked me. 

She had brown hair and looked about 30. There was a man behind her too. She had a soft smile and a soothing voice. 

Should I trust her? I know I have been told not to talk to strangers but this seems like the only option I have. 

“I was on the lazy river with my sister and we got separated. I don’t know where my family is and I don’t know what to do.” I said to her, letting out sobs after every breath. 

“Oh it's okay! My husband and I can help you find them!” She responded calmly.

“Thank you so much.” I replied. 

I told her about my family and what they looked like. I didn’t realize how big Atlantis was until we walked for 45 minutes around it. My hopes were down, I felt like we would never find them with all of these other people around us. The lady stayed positive the whole time and that made me feel better. She is so kind and has lots of patience while we look. All of the sudden, I see my dad from the corner of my eye! He was alone, with a terrified look on his face. 

“DAD!” I yelled as I ran up to him.. 

“Katie - Jane! We couldn’t find you anywhere! I was so worried!” He says with relief and a little bit of tone. 

I explained everything that happened and how I got lost. I told him about the kind people who walked with me for an hour to find him.  

I finally get back on the cruise and ponder about everything that just happened. Thank god I found them. I could be anywhere right now. I need to understand that next time, I have to be more aware.  I will never forget to stay with my loved ones and people I can trust. I understand now I must be selfless.