The ocean waves crashed nearby, dark in the moonlight, the sand a pale swath against the night. Staring out at the ocean, she felt so tiny, so small. Insignificant. Lost, even.

Because I am lost. I don't know what I'm doing, or why.

Jorick turned his face to her, so that his lips were pressed against her forehead. His hand crept up to the back of her neck and tangled in her hair. He inhaled deeply and let the breath out slowly, as though he were trying to hold some ...