A chilling breeze whisks around us, prompting me to wrap my arm around Stephanie, drawing her close to my side. She leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, John..."

"What are you apologizing for?" I gently brush away the wind-blown strands of hair, tucking them behind her ear.

"I feel like I've been losing control of myself lately. An emotion surfaces, and an idea follows, and before I know it, something reckless happens."

"That's just life, Stephanie." I chuckle and stroke her cheek with my thumb. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"I just..." Her eyes drift from mine to the sand beneath our feet. "I just don't know, John. What if this is just another impulsive mistake... I'm not sure I can handle it again..."

"It's different this time, Stephanie." I smile at her while she continues to stare at the ground. "I'm going to be there for you."

She sniffs, a mixture of laughter and tears, and looks up at me with watery eyes. "You say these things, but what am I supposed to do with that?"

"Try and trust me." I caress her cheek again.

"I can't, John." She stands up abruptly and starts walking away. "I'm sorry, I just can't..."

I sit still. I feel gravity pulling, comforting me to stay down. The waves soothing from afar. The heat of the spliff in my hand. All telling me it's okay to stay. To let her go.

But still, I find myself up on my feet, going after her.

"Don't make this awkward, John," she says without even glancing back when I grasp her hand.

"Stop denying it. You want me as much as I want you."

She halts and looks at me over her shoulder. "This wanting, John. Whenever it arises, I end up hurting people and getting hurt myself. Now, I feel it stronger than ever before."

"So, you want me too much to be with me?"

"Yes—no. Just leave me alone, John." She pulls her hand away and starts running.

"Wait!" I catch hold of her hand again, and she scowls at me.

"I'm about to scream."

"I understand the fear you're experiencing, Stephanie. I feel it too when I think about being with you." I gaze deeply into her eyes.

"So why are you so persistent?"

"Because I won't let my fears control me. You mentioned feeling out of control earlier, but you're not. You're breaking free, searching for yourself, as you should. Embrace it. Don't stop now when you have the opportunity for something real."

She remains silent for a moment, then kisses me. As she pulls away, she cups my face with both hands, locking her gaze with mine. "I better not regret this."

"You won't." I envelop her in my arms and kiss her. Her taste, her scent, and her touch dissolve my thoughts from within, leaving only the sheer intensity of the moment.