Melodies of discord

Almost perfect getaway

     In the picturesque coastal town of Seaview Haven, where the salty breeze danced with the rhythm of crashing waves, two university students, Emma and Ethan, found themselves drawn to their favourite beachside retreats for the summer. They sought respite from the demands of their academic lives and an opportunity to indulge in their passions. Little did they know that their peaceful summers would be marked by an unforeseen twist—an annoying yet captivating neighbour who would ultimately lead them on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected love.

     Ethan, a dedicated pianist with dreams of performing on grand stages, revelled in the solitude his summer home provided. The quaint cottage nestled in a grove of swaying palm trees offered him the ideal setting for practice and contemplation.

     Meanwhile, Emma, an aspiring writer yearning to create literary masterpieces, sought refuge in a small cabin nearby, surrounded by the whispering pines of the coastal forest.

     At first, their paths rarely crossed, and the tranquillity of their surroundings remained intact. However, as days progressed they seem to notice each other's presence.

     Ethan loved his late-night sessions, his fingers danced across the piano keys with grace and precision, coaxing forth a melodic tapestry that filled the air with enchantment. His eyes closed, his face adorned with a serene expression, as if he were communing with a secret realm unlocked only through the language of music. With each note, he breathed life into the instrument, his passion and skill harmonising. This, however, disrupted Emma's slumber greatly, causing a hindrance in her schedule.

     Conversely, Emma loved her early writing sessions, using her expertise to type rapidly on her laptop, sipping coffee and sitting by the widow, gazing towards the ocean. The waves of water crashed against the shore as her eyes sparkled with wonder and determination and she poured her imagination into words. Her words painted vivid landscapes and breathed life into captivating characters, she became lost in the world she was creating. The sound of her fingers typing fervently on the keyboard often permeated the silence that Ethan cherished during his morning slumber after his late-night practice sessions.

     Unbeknownst to Emma and Ethan, their conflicting schedules and creative pursuits slowly gave birth to annoyance and frustration. Ethan found herself struggling to concentrate on his delicate compositions, his train of thought consistently derailed by the rhythmic clatter from next door. Emma, too, felt her words stumbling on the page as the melodic strains of Ethan's piano seeped into her thoughts.

     One particularly sweltering afternoon, Emma, unable to bear the disruption any longer, decided to confront Ethan. She marched purposefully to his cabin, her fingers trembling with a mixture of annoyance and determination. When Ethan opened the door, a look of surprise flickered across their faces at the sight of each other. This was the first time they were this close to each other.

     Ethan stood with a commanding presence, his jawline exuded strength and determination, accentuated by a perfectly trimmed beard that framed his rugged features. Deep, soulful eyes, framed by thick, expressive brows were most captivating. His tousled, dark hair seemed to have a mind of its own, adding an air of casual confidence to his overall appearance. Standing tall, his broad shoulders and sculpted physique hinted at strength and athleticism, while his demeanour revealed a warmth that invited others into his charismatic sphere.

     On the other hand, radiating an ethereal aura, Emma possessed a timeless grace that effortlessly commanded attention. Her eyes, adorned with long lashes, held a captivating depth. Above them, delicately arched eyebrows framed her face, accentuating her expressive gaze. High, sculpted cheekbones added a touch of elegance to her flawless complexion as if touched by the gentlest brushstroke. Her lips, soft and inviting, held a natural rosiness. Cascading waves of silky, flowing hair framed her face.