A Million Reasons | K. Danvers ✔

[55] A Mild Confrontation

• June 16, 2017 (Sunset at the beach) •

Kara and Zach came to the beach to see the sunset as decided earlier. They parked the car and came to the shore that was almost crowded with a number of tourists. It was very different from the early sunrise trips they had had as instead of the lovely golden hue, a deep orange tainted the sky.

The tourists had started to retreat to the eateries available at the beach but Kara and Zach stayed, watching the sun set below the horizon The deep orange darkened and then faded into dusky purple, the sky seeming no different from an artist's canvas splattered with colors.

The setting of the sun marked one day's end while a new sunrise would bring with it a new beginning. Perhaps the next sunrise would bring a new beginning for the two as well.

"So just a few days left..."

He turned to see her, a slight smile creasing his features, "yeah, just a few days."

"Are you excited?"

"Very," he admitted, hand gently entwining through hers as they walked barefoot on the beach, "but I'm also preparing myself not to get too disappointed in case I don't qualify. I have made it this far and I'm glad."

She knew he was very ambitious and making it to the World Championships mattered a lot to him even though at the moment he was making it seem as if he was content. He was the sort of person who soared to achieve his target no matter what the price may be.

And while it was admirable in a way, it was also somewhat detrimental.

"You'll definitely make it to the next round," she squeezed his hand reassuringly, "I just know you will."

"But then sometimes I think that if I do, I will have to leave," his voice had lowered and his features were set in a somewhat pensive look, "it might not be forever but it will be long enough. I find it difficult to stay away from all of you for such a long time."

"Don't worry, we can always talk on video call and if you're lucky, you might meet me much sooner than you think. As for Ava and your parents, I am sure they won't let you go alone for long. They might keep visiting you often."

"It's cross country. It would be difficult."

"Why are you not being optimistic today?" She asked, trying to assess whether she should really steer the conversation in the direction she had initially planned to or just leave it be.

If he was feeling slightly down already, she didn't want to make it worse.

He laughed, the sound of it easing her worries, "oh no, no. I am being optimistic. I am hoping for the best."

"Good."

A while passed in comfortable silence as they kept walking, the gentle waves of the sea washing over their feet every now and then. The water was cool as the hot sun had set and the weather had started to cool down as well, an airy breeze blowing all over.

Kara was still thinking how to bring up Mon but Zach gave her an opportunity himself.

"How's your friend Mike? He's still in the city or has he left?"

"He's doing good. And he's staying for a few months," she replied.

"I bet that's why I see so little of Connor," he remarked, a soft smile playing upon his lips, "looks like they are close because even Ava says Connor and Mike are inseparable."

"I guess... Ava met him?"

"Yeah. A few times."

"And she doesn't resent him like she does to Tim?" Kara asked, slightly surprised because Connor hadn't told her anything about Mon and Ava's meetup.