Alana's pov
Life had settled into a sweet routine since Kael and I became a couple. Every day felt like a new adventure, filled with laughter, stolen kisses, and shared dreams. We explored the beach, discovered hidden spots in the nearby town, and created memories that I cherished deeply. But amidst all the joy, there was an undercurrent of tension that I couldn't quite place.
Kael seemed a little different lately—more distant at times, with a pensive look in his eyes. I would catch him staring out at the ocean, his brow furrowed in thought, as if he were wrestling with something that weighed heavily on his heart. I'd try to draw him out, but he would always brush it off with a smile, insisting he was fine.
"Alana, look at this!" he exclaimed one afternoon as we walked along the beach, his excitement infectious. He pointed to a beautiful shell half-buried in the sand. "Isn't it amazing?"
"Absolutely! You have an eye for these things," I said, beaming as I watched him pick it up with a childlike enthusiasm. "You're going to be the best shell collector."
He laughed, the sound brightening my spirits, but I noticed the laughter didn't quite reach his eyes. "Maybe I should start a collection," he said, holding the shell up like a trophy.
"Definitely! And then we can decorate your room with them," I teased, nudging him playfully.
"Great idea!" He smiled, but there was still that shadow lurking behind his cheerful demeanor.
Later that week, we spent our evenings stargazing at the beach, lying side by side on a blanket, with our fingers intertwined. I cherished these moments, feeling a sense of peace wash over me as we talked about everything and nothing. But even in those quiet moments, I could feel Kael's unease lurking beneath the surface.
"Alana," he said one night, staring up at the stars. "Do you ever feel like something is about to change? Like… something is coming?"
His question sent a shiver down my spine, and I turned to look at him, trying to gauge his mood. "What do you mean? Change how?"
"I don't know," he said, his voice distant. "I just have this feeling… like a storm is brewing."
I frowned, concern creeping into my thoughts. "Kael, is everything okay? You can talk to me about anything."
He turned to me, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Really. Just… thinking too much, I guess."
I wanted to push further, but the look in his eyes stopped me. I didn't want to pry or make him uncomfortable. Instead, I nodded, hoping my support was enough to ease his mind.
As the days passed, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Kael's energy seemed to wane at times, and he would often excuse himself to rest, claiming he was just tired from our adventures. I tried not to worry, but the knot in my stomach tightened with each passing day.
---