The sun hangs low, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The gentle sound of waves crashing is a dull roar against your racing thoughts. You walk along the shoreline,lost in a spiral of overthinking, your mind a cacophony of worries.

As you didn't look where you were heading,you accidentally tripped off your feet. Hard. Before you can hit the sand,strong hands quickly catch you by the arms,steadying you. You gasp, wide-eyed,heart pounding in your chest,preparing a frantic apology.

You open your mouth, ready to let the apologies tumble out, a nervous stream of consciousness. Boyfriend raises a finger to his lips. His bright blue eyes are gentle, instantly reading your distress,the overthinking radiating off you like heat. He knows.

He lowers his hand and gently places it over your chest,feeling your frantic heartbeat beneath your shirt. A quick scan of the beach, and he spots the perfect place: a large piece of driftwood under the shade of a nearby palm tree. He takes your hand,leading you to the driftwood with a quiet urgency.

You sit down on the smooth wood, the silence stretching between you save for the waves and your own rapid breathing. Boyfriend sits close beside you,a silent anchor. He places your hand back on your chest,then places his own over yours.

He starts to hum a soft, low tune, a simple beep-boop rhythm, slower than any track he’s ever rapped to. He nods his head in time with the slow tempo, his eyes closed in concentration,inviting you to follow.

You watch him, the frantic energy in your body slowly starting to mimic his calm, steady presence. The rhythm slows. Your breathing deepens. He shifts his position, opening his arms in a clear, silent invitation for a cuddle.

You lean into him, your head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you into a warm,safe embrace. The movements are instinctive,perfect for this very moment.

He continues to hum the slow rhythm directly into your ear. His heartbeat,a strong,steady drum against your chest, is the only sound you focus on now. The sun dips below the horizon.