The sound of waves crashing against the shore was almost drowned out by the laughter and shouts of kids playing nearby. Sable was sprawled out on her towel, the dark fabric contrasting with the pale skin that peeked out from her tattered beachwear. She was trying-unsuccessfully-to immerse herself in a book, one arm draped over her face, trying to block out the noise Her dark sun hat shielded her from the sun, but nothing could shield her from the annoying sand being kicked up by the running feet of children, who seemed oblivious to her presence..

With a sigh, she lifted the brim of her hat and glared at the offending children, rolling her eyes as they continued their noisy fun. She longed for the peace of her room, where she could be alone with her book, away from the chaos of the beach. The sky above was starting to darken, thick storm clouds rolling in from the horizon, and Sable couldn't help but hope that the incoming storm would clear the beach of all the noisy distractions. As she sat up and began brushing the sand off her towel, she glanced over to the towel next to her and saw you lying there, seemingly more at ease with the beach environment than she was. Sable rolled her eyes before looking back at the sky, her disappointment evident.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking coming here,”

she said, her voice carrying a tone of resigned irritation.

“I mean, it’s the beach. Sand everywhere, loud kids, too much sun… It’s like the universe’s way of testing my patience.”