The salty sea breeze caressed their faces while the midday sun illuminated the beach with a golden glow. Amanda and Marco ran toward the water, laughing like children, while Eliza lagged behind, carrying a small basket with a bottle of champagne and her favorite book. There was something about the sound of waves breaking against the shore that always managed to calm her, but today she couldn't help feeling a latent uneasiness beneath the surface.
She chose a secluded spot where the sand was softer and the palm trees offered pleasant shade. She spread out a blanket and sat down, taking out the champagne bottle and pouring herself a glass. She watched Amanda and Marco from a distance; they seemed so happy together, splashing in the water as if the world had been reduced to that perfect moment. A melancholic smile formed on her lips. She wished she could feel that carefree, but her mind was trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts.
