The road to the south shore wound through lush tropical vegetation, my headlights catching flashes of emerald as they swept around each bend. It was still well before sunrise. The island felt hushed, and filling the silence was a slack key guitar gently playing Amazing Grace.

By the time I reached the lava shoreline, the world was awake in only the smallest ways. Trade winds brushed softly across my arms. Gentle waves lapped against the tide pools. Everything seemed to be waiting.

I waited too.

Sometimes you arrive hoping a sunrise will be beautiful. Other mornings, something in the air whispers that this one might be different.

This was one of those mornings.

As the first light reached the horizon, the clouds slowly opened, and for just a few moments the sun poured through them like a quiet blessing, spilling light across the lava and the sea.

It felt as though the morning had been waiting to reveal this all along.