**The Driftwood**

The sun was starting to set below the horizon, sending a warm orange glow across the vast expanse of the water. The *Driftwood*, a small yacht with worn hull and white sails, bounced gently on the surf. The atmosphere onboard was one of exhilaration and stress.

Ella and Mark were experienced sailors who had spent numerous weekends exploring coastal waters. Tonight, however, they were on a different type of trip. They had invited their friends, Jane and Tom, to a special evening sail to commemorate Tom's recent promotion. The *Driftwood* was their chosen vessel for this occasion, and it felt like the ideal backdrop for an amazing night.

The boat had been anchored in a small, secluded cove away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. As the final rays of sunlight streamed across the ocean, the company gathered on the deck to enjoy a buffet of food and drinks. Laughter and discussion blended with the soft lapping of waves against the boat.

"Here's to Tom!" Ella lifted her glass, her eyes shining. "Congratulations on your promotion." "You deserve it!"

Tom toasted back, a towering man with a wide smile. "I want to thank all of you. I'm very attached to this. There are no better buddies than mine.

Tom's wife Jane shook glasses with Mark. "Being outside is amazing right now. We seem to be far distant from everything.

Stories and light-hearted banter filled the rest of the evening. The stars overhead started to glimmer as the sky grew darker. A gentle, golden light filled the boat's cabin, making it feel comfortable.

The ever-pragmatist Mark proposed, "Let's head in for the night soon." We have an early morning sail planned. Tomorrow, we're going to the open waters.

Tom waved a dismissive hand, already a little tipsy. Oh please, Mark, hurry up. Just let's savour this evening a little bit longer. What harm is there?

Sensing the mounting joy, Jane nodded. It won't harm you to wait a little while longer. In addition, this area is rather lovely.

Ella gave a nod of approval. "All good, but let's monitor the weather first. A storm is rumoured to be approaching.

Singing along to songs and taking turns sharing their favourite recollections, the group continued to enjoy their time together. The smooth creak of the boat was accompanied by the calming motion of the waves.

The talk eventually shifted to memories of earlier sailing excursions as the evening dragged on. Ella described a terrifying encounter she had with an unexpected downpour.

Intrigued, Tom leaned forward to hear more. "Really?" Leaning over the boat's side, Tom spoke. "That sounds really intense.

" Ella gave a nod. Yes, it was. We had to make our way through some extremely choppy waters.

The group had no idea that heavy clouds were starting to build up on the horizon. The once-clear sky was now obscured by a thick, foreboding fog. The *Driftwood* began to swing more violently as the wind picked up.

Ever watchful, Mark noted the shift in the wind. He strolled over to the boat's side and looked off into the distance. "It's probably time for us to start wrapping things up," he said in an urgent tone. "The season is changing."

Tom dismissed him, clearly enjoying the evening a little too much. "Oh, Mark, just unwind. We're alright. There is very little wind.

Jane was nervous, her gaze flitting from Mark to the lowering night sky. "I believe Mark is correct. We ought to move forward.

Feeling the tension building, Ella inhaled deeply. "All right, let's get started cleaning. We wish to avoid being taken by surprise.

They started gathering up the food scraps and tying up stray objects on the deck. The wind was getting stronger and the boat was rocking more. The atmosphere of the event had changed from one of laughing and fun to one of seriousness.

Mark and Tom fought with the sails as Ella and Jane cooperated to tuck the dishes away. Now the storm clouds were straight overhead, and thunder rumbled in the distance. The waves became more choppy and slapped the boat's sides.

Mark strained to speak against the wind, "I think we need to get the sails down before it gets worse."

Tom chuckled uncomfortably, balancing awkwardly. "This is almost where we end. Just a tiny bit extra, please!

The boat was suddenly smacked by an especially powerful wind gust, which made it lurch severely. Tom staggered towards the brink after losing his balance. Attempting to hold onto the railing, he stumbled on the damp deck.

“Tom! Jane's shriek pierced the breeze.

When Mark realised how Tom was stuck, he surged in Tom's direction, but the wind and choppy waves hindered his progress. Tom went overboard and vanished into the murky water, his eyes wide with horror.

“No! Ella ran to the edge and yelled. "Tom"

The gang halted for a brief moment as the seriousness of the situation dawned on them. The storm was now fully underway as the boat shook fiercely. As the rain started to fall, it blended with the wave spray.

Grabbing a torch, Mark started looking across the river. "We must locate him! He might be at any location.

Jane gripped to Mark's arm, tears running down her cheeks. "Please, we need to locate him!"

Struggling to remain composed, Ella yelled directions. "A life ring needs to be lowered! Maybe he could get a hold of it.

With the boat still pitching and rolling, Mark succeeded in getting a life ring in the water. All they could do was hope Tom would spot it in the tempest. The wind howled as the rain beat down even harder, making visibility almost nonexistent.

The group scoured the river anxiously for what seemed like hours. The boat was getting harder and harder to control as the storm continued unabated. Ella made a poor attempt to radio for assistance.

“Mark remarked in a tight voice, "We have to keep searching. "He must be somewhere out there."

The situation became increasingly dire by the minute as the storm continued to rage. Now that the boat was struggling against the seas, it was becoming increasingly unlikely that they would find Tom.

The storm finally started to lessen after what seemed like a lifetime. The rain decreased to a light drizzle as the winds abated. The party, soaked through to the bone and exhausted, searched farther, but there was no sign of Tom in the strangely calm sea.

The sky brightened as dawn approached, displaying the storm's aftermath. Though pummelling, the *Driftwood* managed to stay afloat. Shivering and dejected, the company gathered on deck, the weight of the night's events reflected in their expressions.

Mark added softly, "We need to report this," his face pallid. Our hunt for Tom requires assistance.

Jane nodded, her words almost audible. Indeed. We must locate him.

With tears in her eyes, Ella nodded in agreement. I'll put in the call. We'll involve the relevant authorities.

The group began to accept the reality of what had transpired as the day went on. More had been taken by the storm than they could have ever imagined. They had to deal with the consequences of a night that had begun with celebration and ended tragically for the time being, but the search for Tom would go on.