Chapter 237 Peace

• We hit a bit of traffic when we got off the freeway, but it eventually cleared. The sun was beginning its descent, but birds were still flying and the sky hadn’t darkened. We weren’t in Auburn anymore. Other than all the tall buildings, the roads were busy, and there were at least triple the amount of people out walking around. Winding roads curved left and right, spiraling until something sparkly caught my eye. They widened, and I gasped as I leaned forward. The sea. Donny brought me to the ocean. He slowed as we reached a sign that read Alki Beach. We passed by beach goers. People were playing volleyball, sitting and drinking hot chocolate, and others were barbecuing.
• Could they even do that?
• I was buzzing with excitement when I turned to him. Our eyes locked briefly, and he had a sheepish smile on his face. The smile on my own was genuine. Leaning over, I pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. It wasn’t flirtatious. I remember one of the times talked to me about the islands. He’d been homesick and talked to me about how they greeted each other. Kisses on the cheeks were normal. No matter where you were, people would hug or kiss. He told me stories of staying up late until the sun came up, but I remember how badly he missed the community and the closeness. Turning from him, I looked out the window as he slowed, reversed, and parallel parked.