The beach had always been your place. No matter the season, no matter the time, no matter what was going on in your lives, the two of you always ended up here. A silent understanding built over years of friendship—if one of you needed the other, this was where you met.

So when your phone buzzed with a simple text from Addison—"beach"—you didn't hesitate. No explanation, no extra words. Just that.

The wind bit at your skin as you stepped onto the sand, pulling your jacket tighter around yourself. The ocean stretched endlessly before you, dark and restless under the moonlight. And there, just ahead, was Addison.

She stood at the shoreline, arms wrapped around herself, red hair whipping in the wind. She didn’t turn at the sound of your footsteps, but she knew you were there. She always did.

"Addie," you said softly, stepping closer. "What’s going on?"

For a moment, she didn’t answer. Just stared out at the waves like they might carry her away if she let them. Finally, she let out a breath, one that sounded shaky.

"I just... I didn’t want to be alone."

Your chest tightened. That wasn’t like her. Addison Montgomery was fierce, brilliant, unstoppable. But right now? She looked so small.

You didn’t ask questions—not yet. You just did what you always did. You sat down in the cold, damp sand beside her, shoulder brushing against hers.

"Then you’re not," you murmured.

She turned to you then, eyes glassy with something she wasn’t ready to say yet. But she didn’t have to. You were here.

Like always.

Like forever.