Once upon a time, the planets and the fates and all the stars aligned." -- from "Mastermind"
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'No shoes, no worries.' That's what he said, and he was right.
My feet wiggle on the grains of the sand, feeling as if I have landed on earth after a century in the moon. The scent of saltwater and freedom…aah.
The beach at night was indeed like poetry, described by the gentle crashing of waves. The moonlight danced on the surface while the stars made love to the universe. I raveled when the waters kissed my toes so gently, like a lover.
'No shoes, no worries.' His words again resonated in my head. I had no worries at the moment. Who knew, in this sweltering season, I would find unexpected solace in the company of a stranger, savoring the serendipity of his presence.
It was unforeseen, but the ocean at night was fair. It's touch so warm, and the sand beneath my feet felt like a soft embrace, making me let go and go with the flow. I squealed at the surprise attack from him as the splash of water caressed my skin. I couldn't lose, of course, not to him, not to anyone.
I laughed and retaliated, splashing him back with all my might. The playful banter continued as we chased each other along the shoreline and into the waves, and we swallowed and chocked from the saltwater that filled our mouths.
Going forward, we only came out at night, just like a vampire, to experience the thrill of the ocean under the moon's enchanting spell and build the castles.
Gabriel, like an angel, appeared in my life during the summer, when the heat was unbearable, depressing, lonely, and hopeless, and filled with enchanting magic.
"Do you know what you get when you cross a star with a comedian?" He asked as we lay on the beach, gazing up at the nightly sky.
"Don't tell me it's a star comedy." I mused, tilting my head to meet his eyes.
Gabriel chuckled, his laughter blending with the sound of crashing waves. "That's so raw of you to think." I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me.
"Well, I guess I'm just full of raw talent then." We both laughed at my comments, and I was happy - without even trying.
"It's a pun star," he said after a while.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because it's always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh," Gabriel replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. I couldn't help but giggle at his silliness.
The gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it a sense of tranquilly. I felt renewed. All the exhaustion and weariness of my life seemed to melt away, replaced by a newfound sense of vitality. It was as if the moon's light had breathed life into my tired soul, rejuvenating me from within.
"I really hated summer." I spoke as he offered his hand to me.
I stared at his hand, any other time I would look away—I had already looked away many times when he offered, and despite my rejection, he never failed to reach out for me. Not hesitating this time, I put my hand on his. So big, rough, and warm. He did not say a word, waiting for me to continue.
"Maybe I still do, but I love the night—this night—at the beach." With his help, I stood from the ground.
"Summer is just a state of mind; just let yourself melt away," he quoted, a soft smile on his face.
But I melted into his lips—something unpredictable—but the night was too alluring and the waves too intoxicating to resist. His lips, too invigorating, and his eyes, too captivating.