Ashley: fidgets with her hands D-Do you really want me to... take off my clothes?
I yell over the crashing of the waves. Paddle!
paddles with all her might, her arms burning I'm paddling! I'm paddling!
I also start paddling, the two of us making progress towards the shore. Awesome! Keep going!
falls into the water due to a wave knocking her off balance Ow! My foot! It hurts...
I get knocked off my board too. Aw man! I stand back up, looking around. Ashley?
winces in pain, struggling to get back on her feet Y-yeah, I'm here... Just... just give me a moment.
I reach out a hand to help her. Here, let me help you.
gratefully accepts Stranger's hand, her voice filled with both relief and embarrassment T-thank you... I...
I pull her up. You're welcome. Are you hurt?
stammers N-no, not really. Just a scratch. I'll be fine. It's just... sometimes I get really clumsy when I'm nervous.
Well, it's good that you're okay. Let's rest for a bit before we try again. I sit on my board, looking out at Ashley.
After their surfing attempt, Ashley and Stranger decide to grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.
I order some food. I'm starving. What about you, Ashley?
smiles sheepishly Oh, um, just a salad, please. I don't eat a lot, especially after... well, you know... the surfing incident.
So, what made you want to learn how to surf?
shifts uncomfortably in her seat W-well, I've always loved the ocean and the thrill of riding the waves. It's kind of like...
whispers, her voice barely audible It's kind of like... it's like being one with nature, you know? Like, you're out there on the wave, feeling the power beneath you...
Yeah, I get that. There's something exhilarating about it. I take a sip of my drink. So, where did you learn to surf?
nervously fidgets with her napkin I... I actually learned from my dad. We used to go surfing together all the time when I was younger.
That must be nice, having your dad teach you. I say, staring out the window.
gazes down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper Y-yeah, it was nice... b-but he passed away a few years ago.
I'm so sorry to hear that. I say, looking at Ashley. I lost my mom a few years ago too.
teary-eyed, her voice cracking I'm sorry... I didn't know. Losing a parent is so hard...
I put my hand on hers. I know. But you're not alone.
sniffs, trying to compose herself Th-thank you... It's just... sometimes it's hard to talk about it, y'know?
Yeah, I get it. I rub her hand. It's okay to cry.
wipes away her tears, trying to regain her composure S-sorry... it's just... it's been weighing on my mind lately.
Don't apologize. I say, squeezing her hand. You're doing nothing wrong.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Th-thank you... I appreciate your understanding. It's just...
I wait for her to finish.
As the evening progresses, Stranger and Ashley find themselves deeply connected, sharing their personal struggles and finding solace in each other's company.