Chapter 31 - Crash the party

The next day, the sun is shining brightly as we step onto the soft, warm sand of the beach. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the laughter of others fill the air. For a moment, I let myself relax, hoping the sea breeze wash away my worries.

Tamrin is already setting up our spot, laying down towels and unpacking a cooler filled with snacks and drinks. Sadie is busy applying sunscreen, her excitement palpable.

"Come on, Celeste! The water looks amazing!" Sadie calls out, her eyes cheery.

I force a smile and follow them to the shoreline. The cool water hits at my feet, and I take a deep breath, trying to let go of the confusion inside me. For a few minutes, I manage to enjoy the feeling of the waves and the warmth of the sun on my skin.

We spend the morning swimming, laughing, and trying to build the perfect sandcastle. It's a welcome distraction, and for a while, I almost forget about the tangled mess of emotions I've been carrying.

As we take a break, lounging on our to