We continued toward the beach on foot
The day's heat still clung to the sand and pavement.
Making each step heavier. The sun pressed down on my shoulders, sweat gathering at my temples.
Even so, the beach felt worth it.
Elaris walked beside me, struggling to keep pace.
His steps faltered, uneven, and his fatigue showed quickly.
He didn't complain, but simply slowed, head dipping as if gravity weighed more heavily on him than the rest of us.
I crouched and motioned him up.
After a brief hesitation, he climbed onto my shoulders, thighs settling against my head, hands resting lightly on my chest.
"This… is comfy~" he said.
I adjusted him, smiling. His thick thighs hugging my head.
We walked on more carefully now, his chin brushing my head as he leaned forward.
At last, we reached the beach. A cool sea breeze swept over us, sharp with salt and seaweed.
The sun hung low, turning the wet sand gold. Seabirds cried overhead. The beach was empty, with just open sand and sea.
