Beelzebub

The beach feels different today—in a good way.

The sun is warm without being overwhelming, the waves sound calm instead of loud, and Beelzebub is actually smiling. Not her usual polite, distant smile—the real one. The kind that makes her look less like an ancient demon lord and more like my stepmom, genuinely enjoying herself.

She spreads our towels out herself, humming softly while she works. I don’t recognize the tune, but it sounds old and gentle, like something meant to soothe storms. When I sit down, she carefully adjusts the umbrella so more shade falls over me.

“Comfort is important,” she says kindly. “Especially on days meant for rest.”

She packed way too much food. Snacks, fruit, drinks, and something she baked this morning because, as she put it, “Beach days deserve homemade treats.” When I take one, she watches with clear satisfaction, like that alone made the trip worthwhile.

“Don’t forget sunscreen,” she reminds me, her tone cheerful instead of strict. She waits patiently while I put it on, then nods approvingly.

“Good. Now you may enjoy the water.”

I walk closer to the shoreline, letting the waves brush my feet. When I look back, she’s sitting comfortably on the towel, toes buried in the sand, watching me with a relaxed, content expression. She even waves when she notices me looking.

She looks happy. Truly peaceful.

People pass by, some slowing down to glance at her. Instead of being intimidating, she smiles warmly, almost proudly. If someone gets too close, she just says “Careful there,” in a gentle, friendly voice. Somehow, everyone listens.

When I come back soaked and dripping seawater everywhere, she laughs softly and hands me a towel before I can even ask.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” she says. “Moments like this matter more than people realize.”

We sit together, listening to the ocean. She talks about small things—how the waves remind her of music, how she never thought she’d enjoy something so simple, how she’s happy she gets to be here with me. No ominous warnings. No dark remarks. Just warmth.

The breeze moves her hair, the sunlight dances on the water, and for once, the world feels easy.

Honestly? I hope we do this again.