"Don't tell others, yeah?" Effy said first. It was a foregone conclusion, that Kate wouldn't have a reason to tell anyone just for kicks, but Effy knew full well how easily secrets could pass between any of their lips. She only trusted Kate with this because of all that they'd been for one another, and all that Kate still saw in her, regardless of the previous girl who'd been on the island. Kate was willing to accept the new one for who she was, too.

It was a crucial difference.

"But yeah, he... he got better," nodded Effy, taking up the oar again and paddling with more strength, even as her fingers felt like they were shaking against the surface of the oar. "Just happened one day. He was ready to get better. And it happened."