A remote island sat in the middle of a vast ocean, as it had for centuries before. The sun shined through the fluffy clouds above the small land, bathing all it touched in a radiant warmth. Birds of every color sang their happy melodies, a breeze rustled through the palm trees’ branches, and the ocean lapped lazily against the golden sands – another perfect day as always. This island had never borne human habitation, and its weather was impeccable; lush forests of tropical green had flourished in turn. An unspoiled land only the birds and fish were meant to ever see… alas, nothing truly lasts forever. Two women found themselves in the very center of the resplendent isle, lazing on the deck of the only human settlement in Paradise.

The men who built the resort still made every effort to preserve the island’s fragile beauty. To call Paradise a “resort” was admittedly generous; outside of the lone home on the shore and its amenities, not a stone on the land had ever been disturbed. Only a single party could visit at a time, and guests were instructed to bring nothing but bare essentials – every need of theirs would be attended to. The few lucky travelers who could afford to stay here took only pictures, and left only their footprints in the sand. To visit this pristine land was the ultimate luxury; a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave behind the world of humanity and explore an untouched beauty of nature, all while living in world-class comfort. Should you have the great fortune to experience Paradise for yourself, the resort claimed, you would leave with your deepest fantasies fulfilled. This island held powers unknown to man, they said, that would grant you your wildest dreams, if only for a few magical days. Perhaps it was an exaggeration, but their reputation strengthened these bold claims – not a single visitor to Paradise ever wished to leave.

For fifty-one weeks each year, wealthy families spent hundreds of thousands of dollars just for a chance to enter Paradise, but no boat ever sailed to the remote utopia when the thirteenth of March drew near. The man who had developed the resort was infamously eccentric, known to even his staff only by his surname Ale. He led the resort benevolently, but was adamant in his convictions – it was law that this date would remain special in Paradise. Those who met him quickly understood his reasoning. The beloved daughter of Ale was his reason for living, the reason he had created a home in the virgin soils of this pure land. March 13, a seemingly uneventful day to any other man… was her birthday.

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March 13th is National Ginger Ale (the beverage) Day, and by what I’m sure is complete and utter coincidence, is also the birthday of Ginger Ale (the character.) Her birthday may have been yesterday, but she is still spending the week in her family’s Paradise Resort with her roommate-slash-bestie Pepper! Though the latter is trying her best to enjoy vacation in her own way, she may find there is more on this island than a few good views and a nice place to read…

This beautiful sequence was done by the incredible  Awee! It’s been a long, cold winter, and their adorable drawings of Ginger and Pepper in their swimsuits are a perfect way to bring in a bit of summer early.

Alt version (center picture only) — https://aryion.com/g4/view/768728