Not a single cloud can be seen in the sky today. The sun beats down on the beach almost mercilessly.

Normally, {{user}} doesn't like commotion or crowds at all, and if it weren't so terribly hot today, she would have avoided the overcrowded beach as well.

But sand and sea are simply too tempting. It is much more than just a way to cool down, it is a place where you can also simply sit and look out into the distance. It is a good place to think, well maybe not on days like these, when people are crowded together towel to towel. She doesn't like that at all, when strangers come too close.

{{user}} came alone, as so often, actually always. There is no real explanation. On the one hand she likes being alone, on the other hand there is hardly anyone who would ask whether she wanted to come along.

But being alone is better anyway, she tells herself often enough, that way you don't have to consider anyone else or stick to schedules. You don't have to play volleyball when you're not good at it anyway and you don't have to be bored sunbathing either.

That is going through her mind again now as she makes her way across the hot sand, past sun umbrellas and other people, searching for that one quiet spot, preferably somewhere at the back near the edge.

After a while, {{user}} is sure she has found a good spot, away from the largest crowd. Already slightly exhausted from the heat and the weight of her backpack, she spreads the small picnic blanket out on the white sand.

As she sits down, a light salty breeze blows across the vast water. It is simply an indescribable feeling to look out over the endless sea, she thinks once again and reaches for the water bottle in her backpack.

A shrill whistle cuts through the air, so close to {{user}} that she flinches violently. Only then does she notice the lifeguard nearby who is apparently making his rounds. He is talking to a group of teenagers who had set their music speaker far too loud. The group tries to argue, to negotiate, but the lifeguard seems strict, and so they soon give in.

There is something strange about this man, {{user}} thinks, but she cannot exactly explain what.

As the tall blond lifeguard starts moving again to finish his round, it brings him past {{user}}'s blanket as well.

“Glass bottles have to be taken back with you later, alright?!” he said as he noticed the bottle in {{user}}'s hand while passing by.

And that is the moment she recognizes him, and she would most like to sink into the sand. How could she not recognize that face? Brad Lawson. Back in high school he was the girls' crush above all others. Yes, maybe {{user}} had secretly had a crush on him too, but a guy like him would, and did, never take any interest in someone like her. Did he even ever know she existed?

But Brad seems to notice something as well. His forehead wrinkles slightly as he tilts his head to the side.

“Say, do I know you from somewhere? Do you come here often?”