In the dark, cool hold, Lilly cautiously peeked her head out from behind the fruit basket. Her gaze wandered over the stacks of crates, barrels, and sacks that filled the space. The sounds from the deck were muffled, and the only sound in the hold was the quiet creaking of wood.

- Max... - she whispered, trying not to raise her voice.

She knew he had to be hiding somewhere here. She began to move carefully between the crates, careful not to bump into any of them.

Finally, her ear caught a slight rustling. She turned abruptly, holding her breath.

- Is that you? - she whispered into the darkness.

A familiar, chocolate-brown face peered out from behind a large barrel. Max's eyes sparkled, and there was something proud, something childishly determined, in his smile.

- I knew you'd find me, Mom - he said quietly.

Lilly closed her eyes, trying not to explode with anger. She took a deep breath, then knelt down in front of him to look him in the eye.

- Max… - she began, searching for words. - Do you even realize how dangerous this was?

The boy’s ears drooped, but his eyes were still determined.
- I couldn’t stay. Not when Dad and Grandpa might need help.

Lilly looked at him for a moment in silence. Two forces warred in her heart: anger and pride. She sighed and shook her head.

- This isn’t fun, Max. This is a real expedition, with real risks. But since you’re here…- she paused to emphasize her words - we better make sure no one finds you.

Max straightened and saluted as if he’d just been made a member of the crew.

- Yes, Captain Mom!

Lilly rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile a little.

- Captain Mom... Okay, you rascal. But promise me you'll do whatever I say.

Max nodded, and Lilly began to look around, looking for a better place to hide them both.

She found a small corner behind the crates. She checked to make sure the crates wouldn't move and were securely fastened, and laid a few canvases pulled from the crates on the floor. She and Max moved there.

Hours passed...

Lilly wrapped her cloak more tightly around herself, trying to protect herself from the cold and damp. The hold was dim, and the air smelled of salt water and old wood. She glanced at Max, who was sitting huddled in the corner, his eyes slightly closed. He didn't look too good.

- Max, are you okay? - she asked with concern, crouching down next to him.

The boy raised his head slightly, but his face showed that he was in pain.
- No... my stomach hurts... and I feel dizzy - he whispered.

Lilly put her hand to his forehead, feeling the kitten shiver. She sighed deeply, realizing that seasickness was making itself known.

- We have to find a better place - she said, trying to sound confident, although inside she felt anxious. - On the deck is best.

She began to search the hold, carefully moving between barrels and sacks. Finally, she found a few more loose canvases that could serve as a makeshift bed. She decided to take them up to the deck, find a safe place and then bring Max there.

Max fell asleep, but his condition did not give her peace. In silence and caution, she left the hold, climbing the stairs to the deck.

Upstairs, the air was fresher, and a gentle breeze brought relief from the stuffy hold. She swept her gaze across the deck, trying to find someone who could help. Her gaze fell on a figure standing alone at the stern.

    Olivier, with his hands resting on the railing, stared into the darkness. His face betrayed a mixture of longing and contemplation. His thoughts circled the home he had left and the family he had left behind in Felinopolis.

-Olivier - Lilly whispered, approaching cautiously.

Olivier flinched and turned around abruptly, but saw no one. He rubbed his eyes, thinking that fatigue was playing tricks on him.

- It's just my imagination - he muttered to himself and headed towards his stateroom, ready to rest.

When he took a few steps, he saw her - Lilly, standing in the shadows, her face tense.

- Lilly?! - he exclaimed in a whisper, his voice full of disbelief.

Surprise, joy and anxiety rolled over his face at the same time. He approached quickly, but cautiously, as if afraid that the woman would disappear at any moment.

- What are you doing here? - he asked, trying to calm his trembling voice.

Lilly glanced around to make sure no one was watching. - It's a long story... But you have to help me. Max is in the hold and he's not feeling well. I didn't know what to do. - she said, trying to keep her voice steady enough not to betray her emotions.

- Max is in the hold? - he asked, as if checking to make sure he had heard correctly. - Lead me, - he said shortly, lowering his voice to a whisper.

Lilly nodded, relief evident in her eyes that she didn’t have to explain further.

They set off together toward the stairs leading below deck. Olivier moved with skill, avoiding places where the wood might creak. When they reached the hold, Lilly pointed to where Max lay.

He was sleeping fitfully, his head sweaty, his breathing labored. Olivier knelt down next to him and put a hand to his forehead, as if checking for a fever.

-“Seasickness,” - he mumbled after a moment, then looked at Lilly. - We need to move him higher. Fresh air might help him.

Lilly nodded, seeing that Olivier wasted no time on unnecessary questions.

- I’ll help you - she added, trying to lift Max.

- No. I'll take him. - Olivier said firmly, gently lifting him in his arms. - You make sure the way is clear.

Lilly went ahead without a word, checking to make sure there were no crew members moving about on the deck. When they reached a place where the wind was milder, Olivier carefully laid Max on the canvases Lilly had prepared earlier.

His breathing seemed to calm in the fresh air. Olivier sat down next to him.

- Now we have to wait, - he said quietly, glancing at Lilly. - If he doesn't feel better by morning, we'll try to find something in the medical supplies.

Lilly looked at him gratefully.

- Thank you, Olivier. - she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Olivier raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly.

- We're family, Lilly. And I have to look after you and son.

The first rays of sunlight were breaking through the light, misty veil over the sea, illuminating the ship's deck with a warm, golden light. The crew was slowly coming to life, and the sounds of footsteps and conversation began to fill the air.

In the stern, in a sheltered spot, Max lay on the canvas, wrapped in an extra blanket that Olivier had found somewhere during the night. Lilly sat next to him, looking anxiously at the boy. His breathing had calmed down and it seemed that the worst was behind him.

Meanwhile, George was walking around the deck. He was in a good mood, enjoying the sea breeze that always reminded him of his old expeditions.
When he reached the stern, he heard soft whispers coming from the other side. He stopped, curious, and began to listen.

- Olivier, do you think the captain will let us stay, or will he pull into the nearest port and tell us to leave the ship? - Lilly's voice rang out.

George stopped, almost frozen in place. After a moment, he understood what he had heard and took a step towards the hidden space used as a temporary resting place for the watch.

- Lilly? Olivier? Max? What are you doing here?! - his voice was both astonished and full of worry.

Lilly and Olivier froze, turning to George. Max, leaning on his mother's arm, looked at his grandfather with an uncertain smile.

- Grandpa... - Max began, but his weak voice fell silent under the weight of George's gaze.

Olivier sighed and stepped closer.

- Dad, let me explain...- his voice died in his throat when he saw the ice in George's eyes.

         To be continued.....😻

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