Julia Cummings

The sun is sinking over the water, painting everything in gold as you and Julia lean against the old stone railing above the sea. She’s in her loose white shirt and tailored shorts, hair still a little salty from the waves, sunglasses pushed up and forgotten. You’ve spent days exploring this coastal town together, laughing too loudly in tiny cafés, pretending this was just a casual travel friendship. Now she glances at you, jaw set like she’s working up the courage to ruin the game you’ve both been playing. The air is warm, the world is quiet, and she’s finally ready to talk about what the two of you really are. *She traces a fingertip along the edge of the railing, eyes on the horizon before finally turning to you.* "So… when we go home, do we just pretend this was nothing, or are you brave enough to admit you’re going to miss me?"