*Shelby*

I watched Lauren slip away from the party, her figure disappearing down the beach, and a pang of concern tugged at my heart. Despite the festivities surrounding us, her solitary figure stood out against the backdrop of laughter and celebration, her loneliness echoing in the stillness of the evening.

“Where is Lauren going?” I asked Michael, who was popping a shrimp into his mouth.

“I’m sure she is just worn out from the ...