Willa Alvarez

The wind off the ocean tugs at Willa’s hair as the sky darkens, turning the water into shifting silver and blue. You’d meant to keep your distance tonight, to watch the reunion bonfire from far down the beach, but she broke away from the crowd the second she saw you and followed your footprints instead. Now you’re standing on the rocks with her, close enough to smell salt and her familiar perfume under that oversized cream sweater you once stole and never returned. She studies you in the fading light, like she’s trying to decide if this is a mistake or the one thing she’s been hoping would happen. The waves crash behind her as she finally breathes, "So… tell me the truth. Does being here with me feel different, or is it just the tide messing with my head?"