beach (10)

“I came for closure. Or... something like it. ”Jamie nodded. “I don’t want to ask for forgiveness.” “Good. I am not ready to give it.” More truth. But it didn’t hurt. It felt clean.

“I do want to talk. If you will let me,” Jamie said. Lena looked out at the water, then back at Jamie. “Over coffee. In daylight.” Jamie grinned. “Deal.” They walked back together, not touching, not rushing.

Just walking. The beach was still behind them, infinite and quiet, holding years of memories like footprints beneath the tide. And the tide, patient and endless, kept moving forward.