Chapter 57

• MALIA’S POV
• As I stared at the photo, memories of that perfect day at the beach flooded back, filling me with a bittersweet warmth.
• It was a bright, sunny day, the kind that makes you forget all your worries and just live in the moment. Ella and I had woken up early, excited for our day of fun. She had bounced out of bed, her energy infectious, and I had quickly followed suit, packing a bag with snacks, towels, and sunscreen.