The sky was deep navy, fading into black, the stars barely visible above the wisps of coastal fog rolling in from the sea.
Nina's feet sank into the cold, damp sand as she trudged along the shoreline, her lips were chapped and salty from the salt the wind blew from the ocean, the hem of her dress soaked through and heavy.
The beach was nearly deserted—just the sound of waves crashing and the distant hiss of wind sweeping over the dunes.
"Chloe!" she called out, her voice echoing into the dark. "Chloe, where are you?!"
But there was no answer—only the waves.
Nina had been searching for hours—since early morning, when Chloe stormed out, leaving her standing in silence. She had checked the nearby cafes, walked up and down the coast, and asked two lifeguards and a gas station clerk, but there was nothing.
Her voice was starting to give out.
"Please, Chloe," she whispered, holding her arms close to her chest. "Just let me know you're okay."
