An unexpected spark

They washed their hands and stepped outside, strolling along the sandy shore of the lake. The breeze was warm and comforting, the water shimmering under the afternoon sun.

They watched as people swam, played, and basked in the sun

At the corner of the beach, Benjamin suddenly pulled her toward a small clothing shop.

"Come on," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Megyn followed him inside where he picked out two sets of swimwear – one for him, one for her. 

Megyn hesitated.

"Are we really doing this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Absolutely."

She sighed but picked a modest swimsuit – one that covered her burst and extended to mid-thigh.

A few minutes later, they stepped onto the sand, ready to hit the water.

For hours, they swam, splashed, and laughed – losing track of time.

By the time they got out of the water, the sun was already dipping towards the horizon.

Benjamin glanced at his watch.

"I have to leave soon," His tone reluctant. 

Megyn's heart sank.

They collected their phones from the clothing shop where they had left them, and Benjamin made a quick call to his aunt Lucia.

"I won't be able to pass by the house," he told her. "I have to report to work tomorrow."

He hung up and turned back to Megyn. 

They walked together to the City Bus office, where his bus was already waiting.

It was time to say goodbye. Without hesitation, Benjamin pulled her into a warm embrace. Megyn closed her eyes, breathing his scent. 

When he pulled back, he held her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes.

"I will definitely come back," he said.

Then, reluctantly, he boarded the bus. Megyn stood there, watching as it drove away… and for the first time, she felt something unfamiliar in her heart.

An emptiness.