The streets of Star Harbor were still alive with activity when Miles left the office.
Cars moved through the evening traffic. Storefronts glowed with warm lights. People hurried home after work while others filled cafés and restaurants, enjoying the end of another ordinary day.
Miles drove alone.
The city passed by outside his window, yet his attention was somewhere else entirely.
For days he had been surrounded by family.
Wedding celebrations.
Guests.
Laughter.
Conversations.
Warmth.
Yet now, alone behind the wheel, silence finally found him.
Eventually he turned away from the busy roads and headed toward the coast.
A few minutes later his car stopped near one of the quieter corners of Star Harbor.
The ocean stretched endlessly before him.
Miles stepped outside.
The cool autumn breeze immediately brushed against his face.
He walked toward the railing and rested both hands on it.
The sea was calm today.
Waves rolled toward the shore in a steady rhythm.
