Summer Forever

The air was thick with summer heat, a heavy blanket settled over Shellside Bay. Beside you, Everett’s head rested on your shoulder, his skin slick with salt and water, dusted with sand. The ocean lapped gently at the shore, erasing the impermanent mark you’d made – Everett and Isla, a fleeting claim on your island.

Midnight was approaching, and soon you would leave. Firelight cast an orange glow on grim faces, and every laugh sounded hollow, a haunting echo of what you used to be. Austin, Sky, Connor, and River sat around the fire, their presence a stark reminder of the impending separation.

Everett leaned into you, his voice low. "You okay?"

"I just don't want it to end."

He squeezed you tighter. "We'll get through it. We've done it once before."

You nodded, trying to believe him, but the thought of tomorrow, of Sydney, of Everett leaving in a few more days, left you feeling utterly alone. In the dark, the waves continued their relentless bite at the sand, washing away the names, making it seem like you were never there at all.