Preview: “Ready to board back on the ship? Make sure to pull out that identification card,” my mother stated, but all of sudden the realization hit me, my palms began to sweat, and panic overcame my being. With my family already aboard, was I really going to be left stranded, alone on the landing port of Cozumel, Mexico?

“Ready to board back on the ship? Make sure to pull out that identification card,” my mother stated, but all of sudden the realization hit me, my palms began to sweat, and panic overcame my being. With my family already aboard, was I really going to be left stranded, alone on the landing port of Cozumel, Mexico?
It was a hot, summer day as my family and I sprawled out in the surprisingly, comfortable beach chairs. Listening to the waves crash repeatedly against the shore, we soaked in rays from the sun and the remaining days of our unforgettable trip to the Mr. Sanchos Resort in Cozumel, Mexico. Our day was spent full of laughter and family fun as we jet skied through the crystal clear waters, hopped on makeshift inflatable towers, and made memories we could never forget. Mexico was the final port on our 7-day long cruise adventure as we previously visited the amazing beaches of Montego Bay and the Grand Cayman Islands. The bright, yellow rays from the sky began to diminish, insinuating our day of fun was coming to an end. In the back of my mind the reminder rang in my thoughts that the return to reality was inevitable. By 5:00, a large, white van came to a halt in front of feet, ready to bring us back to the loading dock where our exploration would be completed through the tourist town. Upon returning to the boarding area, the sounds of guitar strings and mariachi rang in my ears as we used our remaining time to venture through the many shops Cozumel had to offer. Suddenly, Cody, my brother’s, eyes began to droop and energy visibly extinguished, no doubt a result of the enjoyable, yet the arduous day that had passed. Cody sought to depart for the ship immediately and so, with bags in hand and his mandatory card of identification hanging from his neck, he was prompt in confirming his re-entry onto the large vessel. 30 minutes passed until the rest of my family experienced our very own case of droopy eyes and limp legs, and decided it was time to say goodbye to Cozumel as well. Bags rustled, proof that we were all in search for our identification cards ready to end the strenuous day. That’s when it hit me that when my brother boarded the ship, he not only smuggled his bag but mine as well taking my heavily significant piece of plastic with him. What was I going to do?
My stomach began to tighten as the crowd whistled by, easily boarding as my mom and I were left behind brainstorming a plan. We knew my brother didn’t have his phone on him, but even if he did the atrocious international service would not cease our problems. So just how were we to get in contact with him? Suddenly, a few running stragglers came into view, but as they quickly approached we realized they were from our very own family, my other brother, Chase, and cousin, Tyler, followed behind. Upon hearing the problem we were facing, they were immediately just as worried as my mother and I. The four of us teamed together to think of a plan. As time was winding down, we knew the ship was to leave for 7:00 and so we hastily check our clocks and read the impending 6:35. 25 minutes, we had 25 minutes to recover the card and board the ship. An idea, at last, struck my cousin, him and Chase were going to return to the ship themselves, quickly search for my brother, but more importantly his bag in order to retrieve my card. Although we finally had a plan in action, my heart continued to race as I knew our time was dwindling and Cody’s whereabouts on the ship were uncertain. I watched as I witnessed two figures sprinting off the deck, crossing the translucent water below into the immense, floating vault. I patiently, yet anxiously await their return hoping to see the tiny, yet so vital blue ID in their hands. A minute began to feel like an hour but at last, two minuscule silhouettes came into view, emerging from the large doors as they briskly ran toward me. Once they finally made it across the seemingly endless dock, I eagerly grabbed the card from their hand, thanked them, and ran towards the doors awaiting my return to the ship.
I crossed the steps that I had been anticipating for so long, and took one last look at the time, “6:50”. My stomach unclenched, heartbeat steadied, and a sigh escaped my lips as I could never have imagined being so excited at the thought of leaving Mexico. The trip of a lifetime could have been ruined and quickly turned detrimental in a matter of minutes had I not had the help of my family around me. The fear of being left in a place so unknown to me frightened me, yet, it changed and taught me so much. I realized that I must learn to be more responsible for my things and to always be more aware of my surroundings. I also learned that I cannot instantly resort to the worst possible outcome and that I needed to remain calm in threatening situations. At last, I realized the importance of family and lengths we are willing to go to protect one another.