Sarah
We reach the small, rocky cove where the boat can safely dock. Matthew helps me out, holding my hand as I step onto the shore.
I look up at him, surprised by his small gesture of care. He seems to be in a good mood this morning.
"Come on," he urges me, starting toward the path that leads up to the cliffs.
The climb is steeper than I had anticipated, but I don't mind. Because when we reach the top, the view is breathtaking.
"This is beautiful!" I gasp.
Matthew stands next to me. "Yeah, it is," he says absentmindedly.
For a moment, I forget everything—the tension, the walls between us. All I can focus on is the raw beauty of this place.
I turn to him, watching the sunlight highlight the sharp lines on his face. He looks peaceful now, not the angry, bitter man I've seen these past few weeks.