I ARRIVED AT MY BEACH HOUSE EXPECTING PEACE-YILUX

not because it mattered, but because I needed something small and steady to hold onto.

“She said you barely use this place,” Robert said, his voice uncertain, like he was repeating something he had accepted without ever questioning it.

I let out a slow breath, placing the folded towel aside, turning slightly so I could see both him and the room, both continue reading …