Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Will I ever see her again? Or will she remain a haunting memory, a wistful reminder of what could be but never will? I push the thoughts away and focus on what lies ahead, knowing that the life I lead offers little room for such indulgent fantasies.
FOUR
MIRA
My toes sink into the soft, warm sand with each step I take, the hot grains shifting and sliding beneath my feet. The salty tang of the ocean air fills my lungs, and I take a deep breath, trying to embrace our last day on the beach.
My sister's enthusiasm has always been infectious. I glance over to where she's setting up the volleyball net with her friends from college, Jana and Clarissa. They're laughing and chatting animatedly, their bronzed skin gleaming in the sunlight, looking as if they belong in an advertisement for sunblock.
I, on the other hand, feel out of place. I'm standing here in the shadow of an umbrella, slathered in SPF 50 from head to toe. My pale skin has always been a liability in the summer sun. It burns after mere minutes of exposure, no matter how much sunscreen I apply. Lila and her friends are the epitome of athleticism and confidence, whereas I shy away from any semblance of a sports field.
"Mira, come on! You're not going to stay under that umbrella all day, are you?" Lila calls out, waving me over with a wide smile.
"Yeah, join us!" Jana echoes, her enthusiasm matching Lila's.
I wave back hesitantly. The thought of playing volleyball fills me with dread. I can't help but admit to myself that I'm not athletic in the slightest. In fact, I’m pretty much athletically challenged. Coordination? Not my strong suit. But Lila's eyes are so hopeful, and I can't bear to let her down. My little sister’s boundless energy and enthusiasm convince me to take a chance. How bad can a sunburn actually be?
With a sigh, I step out from beneath my protective canopy and make my way over to where they're standing. Lila hands me a brightly colored volleyball, and I juggle it nervously. It's heavier than I expected, and I have a sinking feeling that my performance is going to be nothing short of embarrassing.
"We'll take it easy, no pressure," Lila assures me as if reading my mind.
"Right," I murmur, more to myself than to anyone else.
Jana and Clarissa exchange a glance and share a light, knowing laugh. I muster a wan smile, trying not to let my nerves show.
The first few serves are gentle; Lila’s being considerate. Despite that, I find myself flailing and missing the ball more often than not. Each failure that I endure is met with encouraging cheers from Lila and her friends, but it does little to soothe my growing anxiety. My cheeks burn from a mix of embarrassment and the punishing sun.
At some point, Lila suggests we switch positions, probably hoping to give me a break. I can hardly hear her over the pounding of my own heart and the distant crashing of the waves. My skin feels hotter than it should from just exertion. I wipe a bead of sweat from my brow and realize, with a jolt, that my arms are beginning to turn an angry shade of red.
"Lila," I start, my voice sounding small and tired, "I think I need a break. I'm starting to burn."
Lila looks at my flushed skin and her face softens with concern. "Oh no, we should have kept you under the umbrella. Do you want to head back to the hotel?"
I nod gratefully, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. "Yeah, a cool shower sounds good right about now."
"We'll catch up later, okay?" Lila pulls me into a quick hug, the scent of coconut sunblock and saltwater clinging to her. "Be careful and drink some water."
Leaving the sandy shore behind, I make my way back toward the hotel. The laughter and energy from the volleyball game fade with each step, replaced by the soothing sound of the waves and the call of distant seabirds. My sunburnt skin tingles uncomfortably, and I pick up my pace, eager to soothe it under a cool shower.
As I near the hotel, thoughts of the handsome stranger I met in the elevator earlier flit through my mind. Dark hair, intense eyes. There was something inexplicably magnetic about him. I find myself hoping for another encounter, though the practical side of me dismisses it as a silly fantasy.
The hotel lobby is blissfully cool, the air conditioning a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat outside. I punch the button for the elevator and wait, tapping my fingers impatiently against my thigh. The elevator dings and I step inside, grateful to have the small space to myself. I lean against the cool metal wall and close my eyes, replaying the morning's events in my head.