15. Levi

Chapter fifteen

Levi

T he early morning air is crisp as I finish loading our gear onto the boat. Maya arrives, her face set with determination. We're ready to tackle our new mission: checking the turtle nests on the smaller islands to assess how many remain undisturbed and how many have been plundered by poachers.

"Everything set?" I ask, handing her a thermos of coffee.

She takes it with a grateful nod. "Ready as I'll ever be."

We set off, just the two of us today. The other team members will remain at the center and work on categorizing and testing the samples from yesterday.

Last night's festival lingers in my mind, a pleasant contrast to the mounting tension of our close proximity. I glance at Maya, and for a moment, it feels like we're back to simpler times.

As we approach the first island, Maya studies the map. "This area has had a high concentration of nests. Let's hope for the best."

We anchor the boat and wade ashore, our feet sinking into the cool, wet sand. The island is eerily quiet, the only sounds being the distant cries of seagulls and the gentle lap of waves.

We split up, each taking one side of the beach. I walk slowly, scanning the sand for any signs of disturbance. During nesting season, the center has teams of volunteers that go out early each morning and mark any new nest by roping them off so people will know not to walk over the nest.

"Levi, over here!" Maya's voice breaks the silence, her tone urgent.

I hurry over and find her standing by a nest that's clearly been tampered with. The sand has been dug up, and the markers are scattered.

"Looks like they got to this one," I mutter, kneeling to examine the site more closely.

Maya nods, her expression grim. "Let's document it and move on.

We spend the next few hours checking the other nests on the island. Some are untouched, giving us a small sense of relief, but too many show signs that the eggs have already been collected. Each disturbed nest feels like a personal blow, a reminder of the relentless battle we're fighting.

As we finish up, Maya wipes the sweat from her forehead and sighs. "It's worse than I thought."

"Yeah," I agree, feeling the weight of our findings.

"But this information is crucial. By examining the disturbed turtle nests and analyzing the tide patterns, the team could estimate when the nests were robbed based on the timing of high and low tides. By charting these patterns alongside the nest disturbances, they might be able to predict which islands are most likely to be targeted next. They probably go to each island every so many days to collect the eggs If we can just chart some type of pattern, maybe we can help the authorities get ahead of these guys," Maya exclaims with a renewed excitement in her voice.

"Maya, that's a brilliant idea. That just might work."

We head back to the boat, driven by a sense of urgency to reach the next island. As we navigate the shallow waters, Maya brings out the map again.

"This next island is smaller but has had a significant number of nests reported over the last few years," she says, her finger tracing the outline. "Let's hope for better news."

We repeat the process, splitting up to cover more ground. The sun climbs higher, beating down relentlessly. Sweat drips down my back, but I push on, determined to gather every piece of information we can.

As I check the last few nests, I hear Maya calling out again. This time, there's a note of excitement in her voice.

"Levi! Over here!"

I jog over, finding her crouched beside a nest that's intact. She looks up at me, her eyes shining with hope.

"Listen," I say, pointing to the nest.

He kneels beside me, his ear close to the sand. "They're getting ready to hatch," he whispers, a smile spreading across his face. "We need to get a team out here, now."

Maya nods, pulling out her phone and dialing the center. "Hello? Sarah? It's Maya. We've got a nest about to hatch on the southeast side of the island just east of the cove. We need volunteers here immediately to protect the babies and ensure they make it to the water safely."

"Got it, Maya," Sarah replies. "I'll round up the volunteers and we'll be there as soon as possible. Hang tight and keep an eye on the nest."

Maya ends the call, "They're on their way. We need to stay here and make sure nothing disturbs the hatchlings until the team arrives."

I nod, scanning the area for any signs of danger.

"Let's start digging a trench from the nest to the water to help the turtles go directly to the ocean and not wander down the beach, which they sometimes do," Maya explains.

As we work, I keep listening to the tapping sounds, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "I can't believe we're going to witness a hatching," I say, my voice filled with wonder. "It's such a rare and special event."

Maya smiles, her eyes sparkling with the same excitement. "It's moments like these that make all the hard work worth it. Seeing these little ones make it to the ocean... it's a reminder of why we do this."

The tapping grows more persistent, and I can almost feel the energy of the tiny turtles beneath the sand. "I hope the team gets here soon," I say, glancing at the horizon.

Maya places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "They will. And until then, we'll make sure these babies have a safe passage to the sea."

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours as we wait, our eyes constantly scanning the area for any signs of danger. Finally, I hear the hum of a boat engine, and I see the center's boat approaching.

"They're here!" I call out, waving to get their attention.

The boat drops anchor quickly, and Sarah, along with a group of volunteers, rushes towards us. "Have they started hatching yet?" she asks, slightly out of breath.

"Not yet," I say, "We can hear the tapping. They're close to hatching."

Sarah nods, directing the volunteers to be ready to form a line on either side of the trench we dug to direct the hatchlings. "Everyone stay alert. We need to make sure these hatchlings make it to the water without any interference."

I kneel by the nest with Maya by my side, our eyes fixed on the tiny hole in the sand. The tapping has grown louder, more urgent. The anticipation is electric, and everyone around the nest holds their breath.

"There it is," Maya whispers, pointing to a small beak breaking through the shell. "The first one."

The volunteers gather closer, eyes wide with excitement. "Look at it go," I say softly, a smile spreading across his face.

The baby turtle struggles, its flippers pushing against the shell as it pecks and wriggles its way out. "Come on, little one," I murmur, my heart pounding.

After a few minutes, the turtle breaks free, its tiny body glistening in the afternoon light. It rests for a moment, then starts to crawl out of the nest, its movements awkward and unsteady.

"Let's make sure it has a clear path," Sarah says, adjusting the trench we've dug to direct the hatchlings to the ocean.

The baby turtle makes its way to the trench, pausing occasionally as if gathering strength. "It's amazing how instinct drives them," a volunteer named Jenny says, her voice filled with wonder.

"Yeah," replies Tom, another volunteer. "They've never seen the ocean, but they know exactly where to go."

The little turtle reaches the top of the nest and starts to crawl out but tumbles backward onto its back. Within seconds it rights itself and makes its way to the top again, its tiny flippers pushing against the sand. We all cheer softly, encouraging it onward. "You can do it!" I hear Maya say.

As the first turtle inches its way toward the water, we hear more tapping sounds from the nest. "Looks like the others are ready," Maya says, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

One by one, more hatchlings begin to emerge, each one struggling free of its shell and making its way out of the nest. "Here they come!" I exclaim, my voice filled with joy.

The volunteers form a line along the trench, guiding the hatchlings and making sure they stay on course. "This is incredible," Sarah says, her eyes shining. "Seeing them make it to the ocean... it's just magical."

The little turtles, driven by instinct, follow the trench, their tiny bodies moving with surprising determination. "Nature is amazing," Jenny says, her voice barely a whisper. "Look at them go."

I can't help but smile as I watch them, each one a tiny miracle. "This is why we do what we do," I say, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment.

As the first turtle reaches the water, the waves gently pull it in, and it disappears into the ocean. "One down," Levi says, grinning. "Many more to go."

The remaining hatchlings, seventy-nine in all, continue their journey, each one making its way to the sea with the help of our makeshift trench. We cheer them on, our voices filled with encouragement and awe.

"Come on, little guys," Tom says, his eyes glued to the scene. "You can make it."

As the last turtle reaches the water, a wave of relief and joy washes over me. "They did it," I say, my voice choked with emotion. "They all made it."

The volunteers erupt into applause, their faces lit up with happiness. "This is a moment I'll never forget," Jenny says, wiping away a tear. "Thank you for letting us be part of this, Maya."

"Thank you all for being here," she replies. "We gave those turtles a fighting chance."

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, as she leans into me, a sense of peace and accomplishment overtakes me. "We did good," I say softly. "We really did."

Since it's too late to continue our search of the islands for more nest, we pack up our equipment, the memory of this incredible event etched into our hearts. Watching those baby turtles make it to the ocean has renewed our determination to protect this precious ecosystem.

"We should celebrate," Sarah says, her voice bright. "Let's head back to the center and toast to this amazing event."

A chorus of cheers erupts, our spirits high. As we make our way back to the boat, I glance one last time at the empty nest, feeling a deep connection to the life we've helped protect.

"Here's to many more successful hatches," I say, smiling at Maya.

"Absolutely," she replies, her eyes shining with pride.

Together, we head back, knowing that every small victory brings us closer to a better future for these incredible creatures.

***

We arrive at the dock, and everyone helps unload the equipment. Sarah is already rallying the volunteers, suggesting a nearby bar known for its live music and good food. "Come on, everyone! First round is on me!"

The mood is infectious, and soon we're all heading down the street, laughter and conversation filling the air. The bar is bustling when we arrive, but we manage to find a large table in the corner. The dim lighting and the hum of the crowd create a cozy atmosphere.

Drinks are ordered, and before long, we're toasting to the successful hatch and the resilience of those tiny turtles. I raise my glass, feeling the camaraderie and shared sense of accomplishment. "To the hatchlings!" I say, my voice carrying over the noise.

"To the hatchlings!" everyone echoes, clinking glasses.

As the night progresses, I find myself next to Maya, our conversation flowing easily. She laughs at something I say, and the sound is like music to my ears. There's a warmth between us, a familiarity that feels both comforting and exciting.

"You know," I say, leaning in so she can hear me over the music, "tonight reminded me of those summers we spent together. The way we used to celebrate small victories."

Maya's eyes soften, and she looks at me with a mix of nostalgia and something deeper. "I was thinking the same thing. It's nice to have moments like this, especially with you."

I reach for her hand under the table, and she doesn't pull away. Her fingers are warm and reassuring in mine. "I've missed this," I admit, my voice barely audible over the laughter and chatter. "Being close to you."

Maya's gaze meets mine, and for a moment, the noise of the bar fades away. "I've missed it too," she says softly. "A lot."

Sarah breaks the spell, clinking her glass to get everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Let's hit the dance floor!"

Laughter and cheers follow, and the group starts to disperse toward the dance floor. I stand up, still holding Maya's hand. "Shall we?"

She smiles, squeezing my hand. "Absolutely."

We join the others, the music pulsating around us. The energy is infectious, and soon we're all dancing, letting go of the day's stress. Maya and I move together naturally, our bodies in sync. There's a joy in her eyes that I haven't seen since she returned, and it mirrors my own feelings.

As the night wears on, we find ourselves back at the table, leaving the others still dancing and playing pool. Our conversation continues, sharing memories and laughter flowing freely. At some point, Maya leans in close, her breath warm against my ear. "Thank you for tonight, Levi. I'm having a great time."

I turn to her, my heart pounding. "Me too, Maya. More than you know."

There's a pause, a moment suspended in time. Then, impulsively, I lean in and kiss her. It's soft and tentative, but the connection is undeniable. When we pull back, her eyes are shining.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," I confess, my voice husky.

Maya smiles, her fingers brushing against my cheek. "So have I."

We sit there, the world around us a blur, lost in each other's gaze. Tonight has been a reminder of what we've been missing, and as the celebration continues around us, I hope this is the beginning of something new for us.