after.

the dawn enters its liminal state, making way for the brightening day. she closes her journal and squints at the rising sunlight winking at her in the waves, beckoning to be conversed with in the last remnants of

the morning.

walking back, she silently promises the shore of her return. the weathered wood is firm beneath her feet, the soft creak of the floorboards the only indication of her presence. at the sight, she

gazes fondly.

for the now risen figure smiles a knowing smile from behind his coffee, and approaches, the scent of pine and lavender enveloping her, settling her mind, and for the second moment that morning, a smile forms upon her lips.