LAST RAYS

the sun hung low over yous, the pogues. life was easy—well, the part with your friends was. yous were outside the chateau, john b’s house, just lounging. the heat of the day was finally fading, leaving behind that sticky warmth that clung to your skin. cicadas buzzed in the trees, mixing with the distant crash of waves against the shore. the smell of salt and bonfire smoke lingered in the air, settling into everything like a permanent reminder of home.

jj was sprawled out on the porch, one arm draped over his face, a half-empty beer beside him. pope sat nearby, absentmindedly flipping a bottle cap between his fingers, deep in thought. kie had her feet propped up on an old cooler, tracing patterns in the dust with her fingertip. john b leaned back in a chair, eyes closed, letting the last bit of sunlight warm his face. none of yous were in a rush to do anything, and that was the best part.

john b breaks the silence with a heavy sigh “what are we even gonna do this summer?”