part 35 : is it the beginning?
Fiona had told them she needed space—a break, a solo escape to breathe and reset. A promise to herself that this time, she wouldn't run away from her past. She wasn't escaping the world; she was simply choosing to rest, to gather herself in a place where the noise couldn't reach her. So, she booked a quiet beach cabin far from the world's distractions, where the ocean's hum could lull her into a sense of peace.
For the first few days, she did just that. She read, listened to the waves, felt the sun on her skin, and allowed herself the luxury of quiet. No obligations. No expectations. It was everything she needed, and yet, something was stirring inside her, something soft and warm. Like a part of herself she had been keeping hidden was finally waking up.
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[ Early Morning ]
The sun rose early, casting the sky in soft watercolor tones of orange and lavender. Fiona stood barefoot along the shore, her hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands, her eyes fixed on the waves that rolled in gently. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool salt air fill her lungs, the warmth of the sun beginning to break the chill of the morning. She felt at peace, more than she had in a long time.
Fiona (inner monologue):
This is what I needed. To be alone with the pieces of me that no one else sees. To remember who I was before it all… and who I want to be after.
She closed her eyes, tilting her head toward the sun. The warmth on her skin, the sound of the waves, the endless horizon—it felt like everything was aligning. But just as she exhaled peacefully—
SPLASH!
A cold wave of water hit her from the side, soaking her. She gasped, spinning around, startled.
Fiona:
What the—?!
And there they were. Damien, holding an empty water bottle and grinning like a mischievous child. Dominic, already barefoot, laughing his head off. Lucien, smirking, holding another bottle in his hand.
Damien: (grinning)
Rise and shine, beach goddess!
Dominic: (laughing)
Consider this a friendship tax.
Lucien: (smirking)
You didn't think we'd let you heal in peace, did you?
Fiona blinked at them, stunned. Then, before she knew it, she was laughing uncontrollably.
Fiona:
You guys are evil.
Damien:
We prefer fun. Now run—before the next splash lands!
And just like that, she bolted. Sand flew beneath her feet, the three of them chasing after her, laughing and shouting as they ran. The sound of their laughter filled the quiet morning air. The surf splashed over them, they tackled each other into the shallows, and they ran, and ran, until they all collapsed in the sand, breathless, soaked, and completely carefree.
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[Moments Later – Reflection]
They lay side by side on the warm sand, the sun now fully risen and casting its golden light over the scene. Fiona wiped water from her face, still smiling as she watched the sea sparkle. Her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time.
Fiona:
You know… I really thought I wanted to be alone.
Lucien:
Sometimes we need to think that, just to find out who we still want around after the silence.
Dominic:
Glad we passed the test.
Damien: (smirking)
We always do.
Fiona smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection for them all. She had thought she needed solitude to heal, but in reality, she needed these moments—laughter, companionship, and the unspoken understanding that no matter how much distance or silence they took, they would always come back to each other.
Fiona:
No… this time, we all passed. Together.
The words hung in the air, a beautiful truth that had come to life through the years they'd spent together. They had all healed in their own way, but somehow, together, they had become something more than the sum of their parts.