The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the night air as the group around the fire laughed and talked. The beach was alive with the soft glow of moonlight, but I stood at the water’s edge, staring into the horizon.
This place held too many memories. It was here that everything began—where I met Mirabella, where my world had shifted in a way I hadn’t been ready for.
I closed my eyes, the memory of her laugh echoing in my mind. That day had been bright, full of heat and promise. Now, all I had left was the ache of her absence.
“Taylor!” Spencer called, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I turned to see him jogging toward me, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.
“You’ve been quiet,” he said, stopping beside me.
“Just thinking,” I replied.
Spencer studied me for a moment be
