You could smell the salty musk of the ocean from below. The light breeze kissing your cheek bones the same way your eyelashes did as you permitted them to rest upon your face. Out of all of abrupt changes that had been forced upon you, you were grateful that the calm essence of the sea had remained a constant in your life. Your anchor, your safety net, your-
‘’Mrs. Amarro.’’
The tide drew you in, captivated you. The sound of the waves carrying you further from the cruel orbit of the world into the loving embrace of salty arms. Carrying you back to an old friend, long forgotten, but still familiar all the same; carrying you back to your innocence.
‘’Alessia.’’
You sharply exhaled, turning your attention back to your therapist. You had become very familiar with Dr. Jeevika Singh the past year and a half. Her graying hair hidden in a tight bun contradicted her youthful face. Even with her lips set in a firm line, her eyes often displayed her empathetic nature when meeting with you. Just as they did now. She was one of the most renowned therapists in the area, and she was one tough cookie. She also knew how to reel in your attention, such as purposefully calling you ‘’Mrs.’’
‘’Miss Amarro is fine, doctor. We’re not married,’’ you offered a small, lopsided smile before turning your attention to the ocean’s horizon outside of her office windows. You didn’t need to be facing her to know she gave a disapproving shake of her head before setting down her notebook, taking her glasses off from the bridge of her nose before gently placing them on the oak coffee table between you two.
