Maya found herself falling for Liam, for his easygoing nature, his infectious laugh, and the way he looked at her – like she was the only person in the world. He was everything she wasn't: grounded, rooted, content with the simple life. And yet, he saw something in her, a spark of adventure and creativity that he seemed to admire.
But summer love, as they both knew, was fleeting. The end of August loomed, a dark cloud on the horizon. Maya had to return to the city, to her school, to her life that felt so distant now. The thought of leaving Liam, of leaving Seabrook, filled her with a sadness she hadn't anticipated.
The last few days were bittersweet. They clung to each other, trying to absorb every memory, every touch, every word. On her last day, they walked along the beach, the same beach where they had first spoken.
"I don't want to leave," Maya said, her voice barely a whisper.