Double Star

18 : Ashley.

PoV Ashley:

"I'm heading out, Mom!" I called, slipping on my shoes by the front door.

"You have work?" My mom peeked at me from behind her bedroom door, her hair tousled, dressed in a light purple nightgown, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked half-asleep, just waking from her afternoon nap.

"No, I just felt like going for a walk."
She only shrugged in response, clearly uninterested in further details.

"Don't come home too late—you have work tomorrow," she added with a yawn, stretching her limbs before disappearing back into her dimly lit room.

Outside, the fresh evening air wrapped around me like a gentle hug. With my headphones on, I let myself sink into those rare moments of peace and stillness.

Lately, I hadn't known where I belonged. Maybe a walk would help clear my head.

After twenty minutes, I finally reached the beach. I sat on the golden, dry sand, thin and cool beneath me. The wind carried traces of sand that stung lightly, but I didn't mind. I was too busy watching the sun sink slowly into the sea.

At this late hour, the place was deserted. The only sound was the rhythmic, soothing melody of the waves washing in to kiss the cold sand, then retreating, leaving behind glistening trails of foam.

It was mid-October, and the atmosphere perfectly captured the spirit of fall: blazing maple leaves, rainy days edged with the promise of early snow, and the occasional golden sunlight warming the cool breeze.

I pulled my knees close to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. The sun dipped lower, the sea dancing slowly under the caress of the wind. It brushed against my face, sending persistent shivers down my spine. Nature, in all its forms, is a wonder—you just have to know how to listen, how to look.

I closed my eyes, letting memories flood back—of Dad, and... of Daphne.

Flashback – Four years ago

"Dad, look! It's a dolphin!" I shouted in surprise.

Dad, holding Daphne in his arms, watched the aquatic animals with the same wide-eyed wonder as me.

To celebrate Dad's return after a long absence, Noelle's father—one of his closest friends—had invited us to the grand opening of his new aquatic park, which was now considered one of the most anticipated attractions in the country.

Even Daphne, who had recently been diagnosed with ADHD, seemed captivated by the dolphin's graceful acrobatic tricks.

"So, how do you like it?" Mikael, the owner of the park and Noelle's father, approached us with a broad smile.

"It's wonderful, Mike. Thanks for the invitation," Dad replied.

"You're welcome, my friend. It's a pleasure having you here after all this time... Where's Brooklyn?" he asked, shaking Dad's hand and offering me a warm smile.

"She wasn't feeling well this morning," Dad said. "But she asked me to thank you and send her apologies for not coming."

"It's all right. She's welcome anytime. You're our special guests," Mikael said kindly, and Dad nodded in appreciation.

"So... how's Noelle?" Dad asked, his tone shifting slightly. "Ashley told me she's not handling the distance very well—especially since Karen got remarried." Mikael sighed, visibly saddened.