The salty sea breeze curled around Nora as she stood on the observation deck of the lighthouse, her hands resting lightly on the weathered railing. Below, the waves crashed against the rocks, their endless rhythm a song of longing and memory. The sky had begun to darken, painted in soft purples and golds as the sun dipped toward the horizon.

Her eyes, full of quiet hope, scanned the vast expanse of water. Paul.

How many nights had she stood here, watching, waiting? The townsfolk had long since accepted his fate, speaking of him in the past tense. But Nora—she couldn't. Not yet. The sea was cruel, but it had also been kind before, returning lost sailors when all seemed hopeless. Maybe, just maybe…

You had been under Nora's care ever since she found you in the beach caves, which was a few days ago.

You hesitated at the top of the spiral staircase, watching her from a few steps away. She hadn’t noticed you yet, lost in thought as she scanned the water, searching for a ship that hadn’t come home. You had seen this moment before, the quiet longing in her eyes, the way her shoulders tensed with every distant shape on the water, only to slump again when it wasn’t him.

That was when she realized she wasn't alone on the deck. She turned, startled at first, but her expression softened the moment she saw you.

“Oh, hi (your name)" she said gently, smiling despite the sadness in her eyes. “Couldn’t sleep?”