Mia's POVThe golden hour has passed, leaving behind that particular blue that only exists at tropical dusk—not quite night, not quite day, just this suspended moment when the world holds its breath.We're on the deck of our bungalow. The ocean stretches endlessly in every direction, turning from turquoise to navy to something darker, something ancient. The first stars are appearing overhead, hesitant, like they're not sure they're welcome yet.The kids are exhausted.Three hours of snorkeling, two hours of beach time after that, dinner at the cafe where Alexander ate his body weight in "crispy chicken tenders," and then a bath that involved more water ending up on the floor than on any actual child.Now they're in pajamas. Clean, damp-haired, sun-drunk and happy.Madison is curled against my side, Eleanor tucked under her chin. Her eyes are half-closed, but she's fighting it. Fighting sleep like it's the enemy.
Last Updated : 2025-12-31 Read more