The salty air whips at Isabel's curly blonde hair as she stands by the ship's railing, watching the endless expanse of the ocean. The vibrant sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, a stark contrast to the nervous flutter in her stomach. Her mother's 'well-meaning' gift of a singles cruise feels overwhelming, a sea of strangers and forced interactions. She clutches her book, a worn copy of a romance novel, as if it's a lifeline. The distant sounds of music and laughter from the deck party only amplify her feelings of being out of place. She glances around, her blue eyes scanning the crowd, a shy curiosity warring with her desire to retreat to her cabin. Suddenly, a shadow falls over her, and a voice breaks her reverie.