There was still sweat between us, still tension, still friction and heat and the ache of release building again. But now, those sensations surrendered to the deeper emotions within.
Trust.
Forgiveness.
Love.
And I knew, from that moment on, it was us against the world.
POST-PRODUCTION CONFESSIONAL
CLOSE QUARTERS
SEASON 4
EMBER REED: CHIEF STEW
PRODUCER
Well, I think that’s all we need for now, Ember. We want to thank you again for coming in for some bonus footage and commentary. We know the season wasn’t what you expected. We appreciate you being so open.
Ember laughs, stands.
EMBER
I don’t think I had a choice with that wholeopenpart.
PRODUCER
Is there anything else you want to say before you take your mic off for the last time? Anything you really want the viewers to know about you?
Ember pauses, smiles.
EMBER
There’s nothing I can say to make them change their minds about me, and that’s okay. Because I know who I am. I know my intentions. I know my truth. And that’s enough for me.
PRODUCER
What about your father?
Ember looks directly into camera.
EMBER
I love you, Dad. You raised me to be a strong, independent, intelligent woman. Thank you for instilling bravery in me, for always reminding me I can do hard things, and for passing on a little of your stubbornness, too.
PRODUCER
That’s it?
Ember smiles, begins removing microphone.
EMBER
What else is there to say?
Four days later, I laid in my bunk with Finn, covers kicked to our feet and limbs tangled into a pretzel. Gisella was already on deck for the early shift — not that I would have cared much at this point — and we had a few minutes before Finn needed to get started on breakfast for the guests and I’d go help Leah with service. I didn’t care that the stationary camera in the corner of my cabin was catching our every move on film, either.