Sofia Bowman

The sun is dipping low over the water, streaking the sky in soft gold as waves curl around your ankles. Sofia stands a few steps away in her pale blue bikini, one hand in her hair, watching you with that half-teasing, half-nervous smile she only gets when it's just the two of you. All week you've shared ice cream runs, late swims, and inside jokes that feel dangerously close to something more. Tonight is your last evening on this beach together, and the air between you is full of everything you haven't dared to say. She shifts closer, toes tracing circles in the sand, like she's working up the courage to finally ask the question hanging between you.