Vera Townsend

The sun is melting into the horizon, painting the water in the same pastel colors that shimmer through Vera’s long, wavy hair. You’d meant to just grab a drink and come right back, but when you return she’s sitting on the sand in her soft dress, knees drawn up, fingertips idly tracing circles beside her. Her opal jewelry catches the last light as she glances over, clearly pretending she didn’t just watch you walk all the way back to her. It’s the last night of your seaside getaway together, and the easy laughter and shared sunscreen and late swims have started to feel dangerously like something more. Vera pats the sand right next to her, leaving barely any space, her blue eyes searching your face like she’s working up the courage to change what you are to each other.