(Third-person POV)
The black sand shifted under her fingers as she let the cool granules slip through her grasp, savoring the sensation while the sun sank lower on the horizon. Above, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a golden glow over the endless sea. The waves lapped gently against the shore, their rhythmic whispers merging with the distant laughter of beachgoers, crafting a serene yet surreal atmosphere.
Beyond the shoreline, the once-crowded rows of sunbeds and umbrellas stood nearly abandoned, their elongated shadows stretching lazily toward the water. Further inland, a lively promenade began to stir as evening settled in—restaurants flickered to life, soft music spilled from open-air bars, and the scent of grilled seafood mingled with the salty breeze. It was a fleeting moment of harmony, where stillness and liveliness coexisted in perfect balance.
Then, a sound broke through the tranquility.
Ring... Ring...
She reached into the tote bag resting beside her sandals, retrieving a sleek, encrypted phone. It had been a long time since it last rang.
"G10-C speaking," she answered, her voice steady, revealing no hint of surprise.
A robotic tone responded from the other end, distorted and impersonal.
Her gaze returned to the sea as she listened intently. "What's the mission?"
Another brief exchange, and then—
Beep... Beep...
The call ended abruptly, leaving behind only a single file on her screen. She studied it in silence, the details of her next mission laid out with precise efficiency.
Rising to her feet, she dusted off the fine black grains clinging to the hem of her flowing white skirt. One last glance at the horizon, and something unspoken flickered in her expression—nostalgia, perhaps, or the quiet ache of a memory she never truly left behind.
She didn't know why she kept returning to this place, knowing the pain it carried. And she didn't know if she would ever return again.
With one final look at the fading sunset, she turned and walked away, the echoes of the past lingering like the last traces of twilight—forever etched into the depths of her mind.