The sun had just begun to dip towards the sea. Streaks of light hit the clouds in a array of pinks and oranges. The water rolled over the horizon in a deep rumble as the salt laced air blew through my hair.

I took a sip of my margarita, the twang of bitter alcohol on my tongue. The ice clinked against the frosted glass. Liam lounged on his chair, mirroring me. He looked over, raising his sunglasses off his face.

“To…escaping reality for a week.” Liam offered, his tone a touch too loud. His smile plastered on his face. He raised his glass, half empty already.

“Escaping is easy, Liam. Facing it? That’s the hard part.” I stared off towards the waters, the foam lapping at the sand.

He paused, his expression faltering. He followed my gaze. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not happy, not really. This job, the apartment…it’s all just…existing. I feel like I’m playing a part.” I sighed, deep and long.

He downed his drink, and leaned forward. Elbows on his knees. “Perhaps you should wake up…”

“Easier said than done.” My phone started beeping, a rhythmic pulsing.

“Laura, just open your eyes. Please.” Liam whispered, his voice cracking.

The sky turned red with the setting sun. The bright sun sat on the horizon. I shielded my eyes from shining light as it reflected off the calm water. “My eyes are open, Liam. I’m awake.”

“I miss you…” He choked out. I turned my head back to him. He was gone, his glass stood empty on his chair.

My phone grew louder, the beeping faster and faster. _Beep beep…beep beep…beep beep_. The waves crashed and thumped in time to it.

I closed my eyes tightly. My hands over my ears. The bright sun bled though my closed eyelids. The waves grew louder and louder. Sounding like they’d crush me any second.

And then it all stopped, silence.

I opened my eyes.