Alex

Summer Stories (Requested) Alex had always been captivated by the ocean. Growing up in a bustling city, life was often a race against time—school, homework, extracurriculars, and the constant demand to excel. His parents, both hardworking professionals, instilled in him the importance of responsibility and ambition, but they also instilled a deep love for nature and adventure. Every summer, they would pack their bags and head to Driftwood Island, a hidden gem off the coast that felt like a world away from the concrete jungle. Alex had fond memories of the island, where he spent countless summers building sandcastles alongside his younger sister. The warm sun on his skin and the soft, inviting sand beneath his feet were the backdrop to laughter and endless games of beach volleyball. He could still hear his mother’s voice, calling them back for lunch while the smell of grilled fish wafted through the air. It was a place where time stood still, where every moment felt bursting with possibility. Now, at twenty-four, Alex found solace in the familiar surroundings, eager to escape the pressures of his impending college graduation. His family had decided to return to the island this year, and it felt as if it was greeting him like an old friend. With the sea glistening under the bright sun and the laughter of children reminding him of happier times, Alex felt a profound sense of peace. On this particular morning, he was alone, enjoying the tranquility of the morning breeze. He watched as seagulls danced overhead, swooping gracefully towards the water. The ocean was a brilliant azure, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. Memories flooded back: the boat rides he took with his father, the diving lessons they had shared, and the stories exchanged during twilight campfires. Alex often found himself missing those carefree days, the moments that seemed simpler and more connected, filled with joy and wonder.