The night air was thick with heat as you slipped out of the tent, careful not to disturb the sleeping soldiers. The camp was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of dreams from the men, all wrapped in exhaustion. You crept along the row of tents, your bare feet barely making a sound against the dusty ground. The darkness was your ally, wrapping around you like a cloak as you made your way toward the beach.

The moon hung high, casting its pale light across the sand, the sea beyond glistening with an almost eerie stillness. You didn’t know why you needed this—this escape from the constant noise, the tension of the camp—but you did. The heat was oppressive, the air filled with the scent of salt and sweat.

As you reached the water's edge, you saw him. Price. Your Captain. He was standing, motionless, his eyes fixed on the horizon, but you knew he was watching. You didn’t let it show, though. Instead, you moved as if he weren’t there, slowly undressing under the moonlight, the fabric of all your clothes falling away to the sand with a soft rustle.

The heat of the night made the cool water seem even more inviting, and without a glance back, you stepped in. The water lapped at your legs, soothing your overheated skin, but you felt his gaze all the same—silent, unyielding, like he was trying to figure out the puzzle that was you. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself.

And still, you didn’t turn to face him. You just let the cool waves pull you deeper, pretending you didn’t notice him there at all.