Reine walked along the beach. It was quiet, and she could think. Reine saw it clearly now; Tai cared more for Ciaran than he did for her. She had thought perhaps there was a spark between them after paddleboarding, but, well, better she knows now, not later. Reine had learned her lesson on that one. Perhaps it was for the best she walked over to the shore, letting the water lap at her feet. Besides, what was the reaction to Rafi? She hadn’t felt that way about someone since forever.

The balmy air gently brushed her skin while the waves swished over her toes. She smiled. A dip would be lush this time of night, and there was no one here.

She quickly slipped off her clothes and walked out into the water, just her, the moonlight, and warm water bliss. She paddled about a bit and then spent some time floating, thinking about nothing. This was close to meditation she’d felt for some time, and she wanted to enjoy it.

When Reine looked into the sky, she could see the moon had risen higher. She should probably head back. The others might worry. Making her way toward the shore, she could see someone sitting near her clothing.

As she drew nearer, she saw it was Rafi. He was texting someone. “Oh, hey, Elladine was worried, so I offered to come to check on you,” Rafi said, standing up as he slipped his phone into his pocket.

“Yea, I left my phone on the ship,” Reine replied. “Or I would have let her know.” She stopped in the water and waited.

Rafi turned around so she could get come out of the water and get dressed. “Skinny dipping, huh?”

Reine laughed. “it has been a long time, and the water was really nice.” She quickly slipped her clothes back on.

“Feeling better?” He asked curiously.

“Yes,” She said, “You can turn around now.”

As they walked back to the boat together, Reine didn’t feel like talking, and Rafi seemed to understand as they strolled back to the ship. Silence with Rafi didn’t feel weird. It was comforting to have him with her. He was giving her space, but his presence felt right.

Rafi walked her to her room. “I’ll text Elladine that we’re back. You get some rest.” He said, reaching over to give her arm a comforting squeeze.