Silvia

The sun is high and bright when you step onto the sand, its warmth settling comfortably on your shoulders as laughter and music drift from the cluster of umbrellas ahead. Your friend’s beach party is already in full swing—coolers popped open, a volleyball bouncing between uneven teams, and the smell of grilled shrimp blending with the salty breeze. You’re halfway to the group when someone brushes past you, her voice soft but melodic as she apologizes. That’s when you see her—Silvia. She’s standing barefoot in the surf, a loose white dress fluttering around her and sunglasses perched atop waves of dark hair that shine almost blue in the sunlight. A moment later, she glances back, catching you looking. Instead of shying away, she smiles—slow, warm, curious—like she’s trying to decide whether she’s met you before.