The ocean never forgets.
It carries secrets in its depths, whispers of love, loss, and everything in between.
Tonight, the shore is quiet except for the steady rhythm of waves crashing against the sand, washing away footprints and memories alike.
A lone figure stands at the water's edge, staring out into the endless horizon. The salty breeze clingers to their hair as they clutch a worn, folded piece of paper, a final message, a farewell, a truth too heavy to speak aloud.
Behind them, the world waits full of questions, regrets, and the hope that some tides, no matter how fierce, always return.
Because sometimes, the waves between us are the only things strong enough to carry us home.
Earlier today, we moved into another new house. Another "fresh start," as my mother likes to call it. I've lost count of how many we've had each one tied to a new man she expects me to call "Dad."
This time it's Greg. I haven't decided if I like him or not, and honestly, I don't plan to. It's easier that way. People come and go, and I've learned not to get too comfortable.
My real father is in prison. That's a story I don't tell mostly because I don't like watching people's faces change when they hear it. He hurt my mother, and I guess, in his own way, he hurt me too. Ever since then, I've learned not to get too comfortable with people. They have a way of leaving or worse, staying and breaking you in quieter ways.
But now that I was here, pressed into a room full of bodies and bass, I wasn't so sure. The music was too loud, the lights too bright, the voices a blur of conversations I didn't care about. My fingers curled tightly around the glass in my hand, the cold soda inside barely touched.
I needed air. I needed the sea breeze.
So, without a word, I slipped out the back door and into the night. The cool breeze was a welcome relief, salty and soft against my skin.
The beach was just a short walk away, and I found myself drawn there to the calm of the waves and the quiet of the night.
I hummed a song I'd loved since I was little, letting my voice drift over the water.
Then, suddenly, a splash broke the silence.
A boy leapt out of the ocean and onto the sand, water dripping from his hair and skin. His eyes met mine dark, unreadable, and somehow familiar.
"Didn't expect to find anyone else out here," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Nicholas," he added, holding out his hand.
I hesitated but took it anyway.
We talked quietly, the party's chaos far behind us.
He glanced at me, eyes curious. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Needed some quiet... the party's just too loud."
Nicholas chuckled softly. "Yeah, I get that. Sometimes you just need to escape the noise."
I smiled, letting the tension of the night ease a little. "Do you come here often to run away?"
He laughed. "Only when the party's unbearable. Or when I just need to think."
We fell into a comfortable silence, watching the waves crash softly on the shore.
I caught myself wondering maybe, just maybe, this unexpected moment was more than coincidence. My mom once told me that your soulmate shows up when you least expect it, often in the quiet moments, not the perfect ones.
Maybe he was the one. Maybe not. Who knows?
Nicholas broke the silence, "So, what's the worst part of these parties for you?"
"Besides the noise? The pretending. Like everyone's putting on a show," I said, shrugging. "I just want to be real, you know?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I hate that too. Feels like people forget how to be themselves."
We laughed quietly, sharing jokes about the worst party guests and the ridiculous music blasting inside.
Then, suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the night.
"Nicholas! What the hell are you doing here?"
A girl stormed onto the beach, eyes blazing. She looked furious, like she'd just caught a crime in progress.
"Taylor..." Nicholas tensed, his easy smile vanishing instantly as he turned toward her.
Before he could say anything, I took a step forward, my voice steady and calm.
Her eyes flickered with suspicion, but she didn't argue.
Nicholas ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. The tension hung heavy in the air.
Before it would go far, I took a deep breath and stepped back.
"I'm going to head back to the party," I said softly.
I need to check on Valeria anyway.
Taylor's glare lingered for a moment, but I didn't wait for a reply. Turning away, I walked back toward the house, the distant music growing louder with every step.
As I walked, my mind wandered to love something I'd never really understood. Valeria's heartbreak was something I could see in her eyes, a silent ache she carried. But for me? Love was still a distant idea, like a story told around a campfire, something beautiful but intangible.
Maybe that was the thing about it if you got too close, you risked getting burned.
I wondered if love was always supposed to be this complicated filled with waiting, longing, and sometimes heartbreak. Maybe it didn't come in the perfect moments, but in the unexpected ones quiet nights by the ocean, stolen glances, or even in strangers who suddenly felt familiar.
I wasn't sure if I was ready for it, or if it would come crashing in like a tidal wave, sweeping me off my feet. But deep down, I hoped that one day, love would find me in whatever form it was meant to be.
When I found Valeria sitting alone on the porch, her eyes distant and tired, I sat beside her and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
"Let's get you home," I whispered.
She shook her head slowly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "No... the night's not over, Amelia. You should go have some fun. Don't waste it just babysitting me."
I hesitated, my gaze softening. I wanted to tell her that I didn't mind that maybe this was my kind of fun, being there for someone when they needed it. But instead, I just gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
We made our way to the car, the night air cooler away from the crowd. Valeria leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes as if letting the noise fade from her mind. I stayed beside her
Tonight was far from over, but for once, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.