Along The Distant Shore

Chapter 7

A couple of nights had passed, blending together in a blur of bartending shifts at Coastal, long sunny days at the beach with Chelsea and Becca, and, of course, texting Leo every chance I got. It had become this unspoken routine between us—an endless thread of inside jokes, playful banter, and random thoughts shared late into the night. Each text made me smile, even when the exhaustion from work settled deep in my bones.

The week had been good—almost like a return to normal. The kind of normal I'd almost forgotten existed. I spent my days with Chelsea and Becca, the three of us basking in the warm summer sun, laughing until our sides hurt, and occasionally dipping into the cold Atlantic. I didn't think too hard about anything else, just let myself live in the moment. It was a welcome distraction from the darker thoughts that always seemed to be lurking in the background.

But tonight, I was ready for a break from Coastal's endless stream of tourists, and I wasn't the only one. Becca, Chelsea, and I had all managed to get our shifts covered. The reason? The annual summer carnival had come to town. And there was no way we were missing it.

The carnival had always been a staple in our childhoods, a reminder of simpler times when the biggest worry we had was if our allowance could cover the funnel cake and a few rides. It felt like the kind of night where we could let loose, have some fun, and forget about everything else.

Chelsea had been the one to suggest it. I hadn't even thought about the carnival until she brought it up, her eyes lighting up with excitement like we were kids again. I'd agreed without hesitation. I could use a night like that—something carefree, something that wouldn't remind me of all the things I'd been avoiding.

Back in my room, Quicksand by SZA played softly in the background as I finished getting ready. The familiar melody washed over me, setting a laid-back, easygoing vibe. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the thin straps of my cream-colored, lace-trimmed top, which tied in the front. It was delicate and summery, perfect for a night like this. Paired with my frayed denim skirt, which barely reached mid-thigh, and my trusty light brown cowboy boots, I felt like myself again—wild and free. A small, light brown shoulder bag completed the look, slung across me just right.

I looked at my reflection, running my fingers through my hair to give it that effortless, slightly messy wave. Something about the outfit made me feel confident, a little untouchable even. It was a nice change of pace.

I couldn't help but smile as the song played on, my feet tapping lightly to the beat. Tonight felt like it was going to be good.

I picked up my phone, checking for any updates from Chelsea or Becca. They were supposed to be here soon to scoop me up for the carnival. Chelsea had texted a few minutes ago saying, "Becca's taking forever, as usual. But we're almost there! Be ready in five."

I rolled my eyes playfully at the text, smiling to myself. A night at the carnival with my best friends—funnel cakes, bright lights, maybe even winning some cheap stuffed animal prizes—exactly the kind of carefree night I'd been craving.

As I waited for Chelsea and Becca to show up, I wandered over to my desk where my digital camera sat. A spontaneous idea hit me—why not vlog for fun? I hadn't done that in a while, and tonight felt like a good night to capture some moments, even if it was just for me.

I grabbed the camera, flipping out the screen and turning it on. The lens blinked to life, and I pointed it at myself, laughing a little as I adjusted the angle. I wasn't an expert at this or anything, but something about documenting little moments like this always made me feel connected to life in a deeper way.

"Hey guys!" I said in a playful, sing-songy voice, like I had an audience when really it was just me. "So, tonight's carnival night! Finally getting to hang out with my besties." I beamed at the camera, giving a little twirl so it captured my outfit. "Here's the fit—this top is sooo cute, right? And the boots, like—ugh, they're my go-to." I zoomed in a little on the lace detail of my top and then panned down to the boots, making sure to capture the full ensemble.