They went anyway.
Despite the itinerary debates. Despite the hangovers. Despite Val's repeated insistence that resting was also a perfectly valid vacation activity.
By late afternoon they were all packed into the car, windows down, warm air rushing in as the road curved along the coast. The day had blurred into color and movement. Old streets. Markets. A spice plantation that smelled like earth and heat. Too many photos. Too much walking.
Now they were heading back, the sun dipping low, the world washed in gold.
Elias was halfway turned in his seat, animated despite the headache. "I'm just saying," he laughed, "if someone tells you not to touch the leaves, that's exactly when you touch the leaves."
Renee groaned. "You almost got us kicked out."
"Almost is not actually," he said, grinning.
Val laughed softly beside Eliana, head tipped back against the seat. "I cannot believe we paid money to see plants. I don't even like vegetables."
