This story was a bit out of my comfort zone. I wrote it while I was at a creative writing workshop at UNH over the summer. I don't typically write romance, but the girl I was sitting with played a romantic song and this popped into my head. Everyone thought it was really great though, so I figured I'd share it with you all.

The waves crashed against the shore with a slow gentle violence, washing away footprints, demolishing sandcastles, pulling forgotten odds and ends into the endless undiscovered depths of the ocean. Traces of people, some of which feel just as forgotten.

One forgotten woman remains standing on the cooling sand, watching as the sun sets and gives way to stunning shades of orange and gold, before eventually succumbing to the full moon  reflected in places deeper out where the waves aren't breaking themselves against the shore, finally done holding themselves together.

Her equally broken sobs are nearly drowned out by the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, slowly wearing down their resolve. Her blond hair falls down around her face in waves, concealing the thick tears that stream down her face.

Suddenly she's not alone anymore. He always was quiet. He pulls her to his chest and lets her cry. He shushes her gently and strokes her hair.

She looks up at him, emerald eyes only a bit watery now, and he gives her a small smile, love radiating from his deep blue eyes. His forehead drops down to hers, black hair mixing with golden. Her arms leave her own torso and wrap around his, because she knows she doesn't need to hold herself together any more. He will.

Together, they ease into the sand, her in his lap. They watch as the waves calm, rolling gently onto the shore, and the sun peaks once again.