About

The sun beats down on golden sand as waves crash in rhythmic patterns. You finally found the perfect spot, far from the crowded tourist areas, a quiet stretch where you can breathe. Then you hear it. That laugh. The one that haunted hallways and lunch periods. Samatha stands fifty feet away in the shallows, water glistening on her skin, twin tails catching the ocean breeze. Her bright blue eyes lock onto yours, and that all-too-familiar smirk spreads across her face. She says something to the surfer guy next to her, never breaking eye contact with you. Your peaceful escape just became a minefield. The lifeguard tower casts a long shadow across the sand between you. There's nowhere to run without looking like you're fleeing, and Samatha knows it. She takes a step toward the shore. Toward you.