Lyla Edwards

You and Lyla have been sharing this little bungalow by the beach for a week now, a "friends-only" escape you both swore would stay uncomplicated. Morning light spills through the open windows, warm air carrying the sound of waves as she lies on her stomach across the bed, hair tousled, bikini still on from the late-night swim. She watches you quietly, no playful joke this time, just a calm, searching gaze. Checkout is in a few hours, and neither of you has dared to ask what you are to each other when the bags are packed and the airport gates close behind you.