Peter carefully observed the submerged town below, taking in the entire scene from top to bottom.
Dilapidated houses and abandoned cars lined the streets, eerily frozen in time beneath the lake's surface. Seeing structures submerged in water was an entirely different experience compared to seeing them on land—it was haunting, almost surreal.
Judy exhaled softly, her voice laced with nostalgia. "I've imagined this moment countless times. After so many years, I finally found the courage to come back."
Peter glanced at her. "Why didn't you come before?"
Judy hesitated. "I don't know. I always had excuses—no time, bad equipment, poor weather. But in truth, it was something else, something I can't quite explain."
She paused before adding, "Besides, I didn't want to come alone. And I didn't want to bring just anyone."
Peter smirked. "So, bringing me wasn't just a random choice?"
Judy chuckled lightly. "Maybe not. Maybe it's because you've helped me so many times that I see you as... reliable?"
She didn't elaborate further. Instead, they continued swimming forward, exploring the sunken town in silence.
After a while, Peter pointed toward a fallen sign, its lettering barely legible through the murky water. "This looks like a sign for a restaurant. Was it from your town?"
Judy's eyes widened in recognition. "Oh! That's from the burger joint we used to have. My grandmother always bought me burgers from there on my birthdays. The burgers were huge and way too greasy—at least, that's how I'd see them now. But back then? It was the best food in the world."
Peter grinned. "Sounds like a place worth visiting."
Judy's smile softened. "If I have time, I could track down the old owner and learn how to make one for you."
Their gazes met, and for a moment, they just smiled at each other before continuing forward.
Peter suddenly spotted something near the entrance of a collapsed house. "There's a camera here. Is it yours?"
He picked up the old device, now covered in algae and rusting from years underwater.
Judy swam closer, inspecting it. "A DPI-350… that's an antique. But it's not mine—probably drifted out from another house."
Peter examined it with interest. "You like old cameras?"
Judy laughed. "Don't joke about that. This thing's a classic."
Peter smirked. "Then I'll take it with us."
A short distance away, something else caught his attention—a hockey stick wedged between two collapsed buildings.
"Wait, was there an ice rink in your town?"
Judy smiled wistfully. "I wish! We only played on roller skates, though."
The sight of the stick must have triggered old memories because, for a brief moment, Peter could almost hear voices from the past—echoes of a time long gone.
"Stop stalling, Alvarez! You're going to get us killed!"
"Relax, as long as I'm playing, they'll never win!"
And then—
"So... would you go on a date with me?"
Peter turned to Judy, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smirk. "Well, well. You must have been pretty popular back in the day."
Judy blinked in confusion before realizing what he meant. "Wait—you heard that?"
Peter shrugged. "Come on, it was obvious what you were thinking."
Judy folded her arms, a little flustered. "I guess you're right… Seems like this place has a way of bringing up old thoughts."
---
The Church at the Bottom of the Lake
The two swam further into town until they reached a familiar landmark—the church.
As they approached, Peter could swear he heard the faint sound of bells ringing, just like in a video game.
"Looks like the church is closed…" Peter murmured. "That's a shame."
Judy shrugged. "There's probably another way in."
Peter swam along the perimeter and quickly found a hole in the right wall. "Found an entrance."
They swam inside. The church looked just as it did in the game, except with a few more pews.
Judy's voice was soft with nostalgia. "I actually snuck in here once as a kid. I remember standing at the altar, trying to imagine what the priest saw when he looked down at the crowd."
She chuckled at the memory. "I used to wonder how he always knew what people were thinking. I even yelled just to see if there'd be an echo."
Before she could reminisce further, her diving suit's oxygen levels beeped, warning them it was time to return.
---
Back at the Lakeside Cabin
After surfacing and removing their heavy diving suits, Peter stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "That was incredible."
Judy nodded. "Yeah. This trip was definitely worth it."
She adjusted her recording equipment before glancing at the setting sun. "It's getting late. Why don't we just stay here for the night?"
Peter grinned. "Why not?"
They stepped inside the small lakeside cabin, the cozy atmosphere a stark contrast to the eerie underwater town.
As Peter sat in the living room, he could hear the soft splashing of water from the bathroom. His posture stiffened slightly as he became aware of Judy's presence in the other room.
Soon, Judy emerged, toweling her damp hair, dressed in comfortable yet casual clothes.
She arched an eyebrow at his awkward sitting posture. "What's with that pose? You look ridiculous."
Peter cleared his throat. "I was just… relaxing."
Judy smirked. "Sure. Anyway, it's your turn to shower. Want some coffee when you're done?"
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Coffee? Before bed?"
Judy shrugged with a knowing smile. "What's wrong with that?"
Peter chuckled. "Fine. Make mine sweet—milk and sugar."
"Got it. Now go, I'll have it ready when you're done."
---
A Quiet Moment
After showering, Peter walked out in nothing but a pair of shorts, feeling refreshed.
Judy was sitting on the couch, her expression thoughtful.
Peter sat beside her. "Thinking about 183 again?"
Judy rested her head against his shoulder, sighing. "Lately, I keep picturing the moment we rescued Evelyn. I replay it over and over in my head."
Peter wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You did the right thing sending her to Oregon. If I'm not wrong, your grandparents are there too, right?"
Judy nodded slightly but remained quiet.
Peter hesitated before speaking. "Actually, I found some clues about who tampered with Evelyn's behavior chip."
Judy immediately perked up. "Really?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah. It was the Voodoo Gang. They've been operating around the Pacific Islands."
Judy was silent for a moment before murmuring, "Thank you… for looking into this for me."
Peter smiled. "You don't have to thank me."
Judy suddenly turned to face him, searching his expression. "Then tell me—what exactly is our relationship?"
Peter didn't answer with words. Instead, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep kiss.
For a brief moment, Judy's body tensed in surprise—then she melted into the kiss, responding just as fiercely.
---
End of Chapter 121.