Summer kills

Liam, the self-proclaimed leader of their

clique and usually the loudest voice, silently nods in agreement. He takes a long sip from his glass, staring out at the open sea with a newfound respect. Even though he's been silent through the toast, his silence carries more meaning than any of his previous grand speeches.

"Indeed," he manages after a while, his voice barely above a whisper as he raises his flute to his lips. "To change."

As the yacht moves further away from the beach, they all sit quietly, enjoying the serenity of the moment. Though their bodies are wracked with exhaustion and their minds loaded with memories of their harrowing ordeal, there's a sense of calm among them. They have changed - each one of them.

Despite the chaos and turmoil they had endured on the island, there was a newfound sense of unity and peace among the group. And Maddie, the youngest member of their clique, found herself taking on a surprising role - that of a leader. Her older siblings and their friends, who had always overshadowed her with their drama and extravagance, now looked to her for guidance. They all seemed to instinctively know that Maddie had something different to offer; a fresh perspective that was not tainted by their past mistakes.

As they sat on deck, watching the horizon grow darker with each passing minute, Maddie spoke up. "Why don't we play a game?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "A game? After everything we've been through?"

Maddie smiled softly. "But this time without any malicious intentions or hidden agendas. Just a simple game of truth and dare."

Liam chuckled. "Well, I suppose it's worth a try."

Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. "Leave it to little Maddie to come up with such an innocent suggestion."

Maddie grinned at Olivia's teasing tone.

"Do you think love is just a game to play?" Maddie challenges, her eyes glinting mischievously as she stirs the pot of questions. "I mean, we're always talking about changing and growing up. But what about love? Do you think it's something we can control or just another part of life that we have to learn as we go?"

The group falls silent, each one lost in their own thoughts. Love was something that had never been openly discussed among them. They were all too caught up in their own drama and insecurities to even consider the idea of opening up about their feelings.

But Maddie seemed determined to break through that barrier. She looks around at her friends expectantly, waiting for someone to speak up.

"I don't know," Olivia finally says, breaking the silence. "I guess it's a little bit of both. We can't control who we fall for, but how we handle those feelings is up to us."

Maddie nods in agreement, her contemplative expression softening into a gentle smile. "Okay then, let's play a game."

"A game?" Ethan raises an eyebrow. "What kind of game?"

Maddie grins mischievously. "Truth or dare."

The group exchanges looks, unsure if this is really something they want to do after everything they've been through.

"Come on, guys," Jake chimes in with his usual carefree attitude. "It'll be fun! And this time, let's make it interesting. No holding back."

They all hesitate for a moment before reluctantly agreeing.

"Okay," Liam speaks up after a moment. "But let's set some ground rules. No personal attacks and no dares that could put anyone in danger."

The others nod in agreement before settling into their seats again.

Maddie starts off with a simple question -

As the group settles into the game of truth or dare, Maddie starts things off with a simple question. "What was your most memorable moment from our time on the island?"

Ethan thinks for a moment before smiling and saying, "Definitely when we found that hidden cave and had our first real moment of peace."

Maddie nods in agreement, her eyes shining as she remembers that day. "That was definitely one of my favorites too."

Liam chuckles. "I have to say, mine would have to be that time we all got caught in the rain and ended up dancing and singing like crazy people."

Olivia groans. "Oh please don't remind me of that embarrassing moment."

Jake laughs at Olivia's reaction before chiming in with his own memory. "For me, it was when we all worked together to build the shelter. It just showed how much we could accomplish when we put our differences aside." The group nods, each one lost in their own thoughts as they reminisce about their time on the island.

Maddie looks around at her friends with a sense of nostalgia before asking another question. "What's something you've always wanted to do but never had the chance?"

The group looks at each other, thinking deeply before answering.

"I've always wanted to travel to Europe," Liam admits with a wistful sigh.

Olivia smiles shyly. "I've always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, specifically the guitar."

Jake grins mischievously. "I've always wanted to skydive."

Ethan smirks. "Well I can make that happen for you Jake."

They all laugh before it's Maddie's turn again.

"Okay, truth or dare?" She asks Olivia.

Olivia hesitates for a moment before choosing truth.

Maddie smiles knowingly. "Have you ever had feelings for anyone in this group?"

Olivia's cheeks turn red as she looks down, her answer obvious to everyone

in the room. "Yes," she murmurs, avoiding anyone's gaze.

A silence envelops them, charged with surprised tension. Liam raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything. Ethan and Jake exchange knowing glances. Maddie smiles gently at Olivia, appreciating her honesty. "Your turn, Olivia," Maddie says, breaking the awkwardness. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare," Olivia quickly responds, eager to change the subject.