My Mother's Gift: The Diary of Peggy Caples

Chapter 6

The day began with the sun casting a golden glow over Ocean City. Peggy stood on the porch, her fingers trembling as she tore open the envelope marked with George's familiar handwriting. Seagulls cawed in the distance, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her heart.

"Dear Peggy," the letter began, and her breath caught in her throat. She read each word slowly, like a knife slicing through her soul." After much contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that it would be best for us to take a break for the summer. Please don't think that this has anything to do with you; I simply want you to have a carefree and enjoyable summer without worrying about me back home working hard. If you agree, I would still love to see you when my family visits their estate in Ocean City in August."

Tears stung her eyes as she read through George's letter, the words piercing deep into her heart. The neatly written lines mocked her and she couldn't help but crumple the paper in frustration. How could he say those things after everything they had shared? The weight of the world felt heavy on her chest, crushing her with a mixture of sadness and anger. She couldn't escape the relentless reminder of their lost intimacy, and it only added to the turmoil within her.

"Peggy? You alright?" Shirl's voice broke through the fog of her thoughts. Peggy looked up to see her sister standing at the gate, a beach towel slung over her shoulder, concern etched on her face.

"Yes, I'm fine," Peggy lied, forcing a smile. "Just got some... unexpected news."

"Well, come on then. We're heading to the beach. It'll do you some good," Shirl said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Peggy nodded, grateful for the distraction. She grabbed her own towel and followed Shirley to where Ben, Charlie, Erma, and her husband were already setting up their spot on the sand. The salty breeze tousled her hair, and for a moment, she let herself forget.

"Race you to the water!" Ben shouted, sprinting towards the waves, his laughter infectious.

"You're on!" Peggy called back, kicking off her sandals and running after him. The cold ocean water splashed against her legs, sending a shiver up her spine. She dove into the surf, letting the coolness wash away the remnants of her sadness.

"Gotcha!" Charlie declared, tagging Peggy just as she surfaced. They all laughed, the sound mingling with the rhythmic crash of the waves.

After a while, they settled onto their towels, the sun warming their skin. Peggy lay back, closing her eyes, trying to soak in the serenity around her. Shirley handed her a bottle of lemonade, and she took a long sip, the tartness a welcome distraction from the bitterness in her heart.

"How about a game of beach volleyball?" Erma suggested, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat. Her husband nodded enthusiastically, already setting up the net.

"Count me in," Peggy said, rising to her feet. She could still feel the sting of George's letter, but here, surrounded by friends, it seemed a little easier to bear.

They played for hours, diving into the sand, cheering each other on. Peggy found herself laughing more than she had in days, the togetherness lifting her spirits. When they finally collapsed onto their towels, exhausted and happy, she felt a glimmer of hope.

"Thanks, guys," Peggy said softly, looking around at her friends. "I really needed this."

"Anytime, Peg," Shirley replied, squeezing her hand. "That's what we are here for."

As the afternoon sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the beach, Peggy took one last look at the horizon, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for now, she was surrounded by love and laughter. And that was enough.