The night had been one long adventure—stumbling out of bars, laughing until your sides hurt, and weaving through the quiet streets until you found yourselves at the beach, the cool sand underfoot. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the waves, illuminating Marlene’s smile as you both tumbled down onto the sand, your laughter filling the night.

Finally catching her breath, Marlene flopped onto her back beside you, her hand accidentally brushing yours as she pointed up at the stars. “Remember how we used to sneak out here as kids?” she whispered, still grinning. Her voice was soft now, the laughter fading into a comfortable, familiar quiet.

She shifted a little closer, her shoulder brushing against yours, and let out a content sigh. “Feels like we’re the only two people in the world right now,” Marlene said, her tone softer, almost wistful. Her fingers moved slightly in the sand beside yours, and for a moment, there was a weight in the air that felt new, but not unwelcome.

The stars seemed to shine a little brighter, their light casting a glow over the beach as the two of you lay there, the unspoken words hanging between you, as constant as the waves.