Chapter 105

Richard

pov.

The coffee shop was cozy, tucked away just off the main street with the warm scent of roasted beans drifting out to greet me.

I was up early, trying to grab us both a caffeine fix before the day kicked off. Sarah was still half-asleep when I left her, wrapped in the sheets, mumbling for "Just a few more minutes."

I smiled at the memory as I joined the line, feeling that rare kind of peace you get when you're completely in the moment.

"Hey, isn't it just beautiful here?" a voice beside me said.

I turned, expecting someone local or another early riser tourist. A woman with a bright smile stood next to me, arms folded comfortably as if she'd just casually dropped by. "Yeah, it really is," I replied, glancing back out the window to the waves rolling in just beyond the palm trees. "It's like something out of a painting."

She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. "That's a good way to put it. I'm Isabelle, by the way. Came here on a bit of a whim," she said, reaching out to shake my hand. Her handshake was light and confident. "Richard," I replied, shaking her hand briefly. "I get it. Sometimes you just have to get away, right?"

"Exactly! Sometimes you need a reset," she said, nodding in agreement. "Especially in a place like this. Are you here alone?"

I shook my head, smiling as I thought of Sarah waiting back at the hotel. "No, I'm here with my wife. We both needed a break, honestly."

"That's nice. Nothing like a getaway to reconnect," she said, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "How long are you staying?"

"Just a week," I replied, stepping forward in line as we chatted. "Seems short now that we're here, though."

Isabelle nodded, looking thoughtful. "Well, maybe it'll be just what you both need. I know I could stay forever."

She gave a small laugh, glancing out the window. "Anyway, I didn't mean to keep you from your coffee. Just wanted to say hi."

stepped back. By then, it was my turn, so I ordered two coffees, paid, and left, figuring I'd never see her again. Just a friendly

***

the room, Sarah was finally awake, stretching

said, holding out her cup like a peace

you are officially the best," she mumbled, taking it from me. She took a long sip, eyes closing as she let out a sigh. "You

job description," I joked,

over at

do some snorkeling, grab lunch from one of those food trucks on the way back. Keep it laid-back." She smiled, nodding.

to the beach just before noon, the sun high

a soft turquoise that seemed to call out to us. We rented snorkel gear, finding a spot a little way down the beach where the crowd had thinned out. I watched Sarah dive in first,

dart around coral reefs, sharing silent gestures and laughs whenever one of us saw something too good to miss. After we'd worn ourselves out, we sat on the

leaning her head on my shoulder. "You know, just us,

wrapping an arm around her. "Feels like we left

moments passed in contented silence until Sarah shifted

do you know

too far from us. Isabelle, the woman from the coffee shop, was strolling down

I met her this morning. Just a quick chat at

slightly, but she shrugged it off, looking back at the

like it," I said, though something in Sarah's tone made

beach when Isabelle passed by, catching sight of us. "Richard! Hey!" she called, walking over with

noticed Sarah shift a little

this is Isabelle," I said, introducing

smile widened. "Nice to meet you, Sarah. You two look

are," Sarah said,

I'm still exploring, trying to figure out all the best spots to visit." She turned to me. "Hey, maybe

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