I went because I didn’t know it was the last ordinary thing she’d ever say to me.
I already loved those kids like they’d come from my own bones.
I was gone for maybe twelve minutes.
When I came back, the kids were still digging in the sand. Claire’s beach towel was exactly where she’d left it, her sunglasses folded on top of her book beside the cooler.
But Claire wasn’t there.
I told myself she’d gone into the water. I scanned the waves, shielding my eyes against the glare, waiting for her to come up laughing.
That’s when I noticed Noah standing at the shoreline, perfectly still, pale as chalk.
Claire wasn’t there.
« Where’s your mom? » I asked.
He didn’t answer. He just stared at the water.
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