The sand is still a bit sticky from the storm, but warming quickly in the sun. The ocean stretches out before us, impossibly blue and calm, like the past few days of violence never happened.
“It’s beautiful,” Sierra breathes, stopping at the edge of the beach to just... look.
And she’s right. It is beautiful.
But I’m not looking at the ocean.
We set up camp near the water, towels spread out, umbrella anchored in the sand for shade, cooler positioned within easy reach. Very important, the cooler accessibility.
“Okay,” I announce once we’re settled. “Beach rules.”
“There are rules?” Sierra asks, amused.
“Of course, there are rules. Beach days require structure.”
“This should be good,” Malik mutters.
“Rule one,” I continue, ignoring him. “No checking phones. No emails, no work, no outside world.”
“I can live with that,” Sierra says.
“Rule two: If someone suggests a game, activity, or general shenanigans, the answer is yes unless you have a very good reason.”
“Define ‘very good reason,’” Dax says.
“Imminent death.”
“That’s the only acceptable reason?” Sierra’s laughing now.
“The only one,” I confirm solemnly. “Rule three: Sunscreen is mandatory and will be applied by pack members to ensure complete coverage.”
“Oh, will it?” Sierra’s eyebrows rise, but she’s smiling.
“Safety first,” I say innocently. “Someone could burn.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And finally, rule four: Whatever happens on beach day stays on beach day. No overthinking, no analyzing, no worrying about tomorrow. Just today.”
The last rule lands heavier than the others. I can see it in the way Sierra’s expression shifts, understanding settling over her features.
“Just today,” she repeats softly.
“Just today,” I confirm.
There’s a moment of silence, then Sierra takes a deep breath and nods.
“Okay,” she says. “Just today. I can do that.”
“Excellent!” I clap my hands together. “Now, who needs sunscreen?”
“I volunteer to help Sierra,” Jalen says immediately.
“Subtle,” Dax mutters.
“I wasn’t trying to be subtle.”
Sierra laughs and sits down on one of the towels, pulling her hair fully out of the way. “Have at it.”
