Page 30 - Test 1 The tennis club - Copy –Kopi_Neat

Without saying anything, Edward has taken control of the helm for the entire trip. It’s a
deliberate choice to avoid giving Victoria any reason to question the safety of the journey.

During the planning for the trip—an initiative driven by Edward and Elvira—Victoria had
discreetly voiced her concerns.

“After all, Naja has only just turned one. Isn’t it a bit early to take such a small child out
sailing?” she had asked cautiously a few evenings ago while they discussed the route and
preparations.

Her worry had been met with frustration. Both Edward and Elvira had found her caution
unnecessary. Edward had firmly dismissed her concerns.

“Oh my gosh, Victoria, you’re just bringing unnecessary anxiety to this trip,” he had said.
“It’s only a short sail along the coast. Elvira and I have done it countless times.”

Eventually, Victoria had relented. As the optimist she usually was, she had quietly resolved

not to spoil the atmosphere, knowing how much this outing meant to both Edward and
Elvira.

About fifteen minutes into their voyage, Elvira, who was beginning to grow restless,
decided to break the calm with a playful remark. She had been sitting next to Edward the
whole time, eager to prove her skills and show both Phoebe and Victoria that she was a
capable sailor.

“Dad, can’t I take over the helm now? We’re out of the harbor, and you didn’t even let me
show Mom that I can steer the boat out all by myself,” she teased, half-pouting, half-

grinning.

Edward hesitated for a moment, knowing how nervous Victoria was, but eventually
nodded.

“Okay, but just for a short while. I’ll take over for most of the trip,” he said firmly.

“Of course, Dad,” Elvira replied with a smile as they quickly switched places.

Meanwhile, Phoebe and little Naja remained at the bow. Naja sat and stood alternately,
supported by Phoebe’s steady hands between her legs. Phoebe, with bare legs and feet,

leaned her upper body against the small wall of the galley. The railings around the bow
were purely decorative—simple metal bars, barely seven centimeters high, more for
appearance than utility.

The sun that had bathed them in warmth when they departed was now hidden behind a
blanket of gray clouds. The wind had picked up slightly, causing Edward to glance up at the