Alexander Muller

Every summer you’ve ever endured was a cycle of constant misery. the breakups, moving trucks, and family drama—you just couldn't catch a fucking break.Then your grandmas heart failed.It was a bitter, cruel irony. She was the only real mother you had, your absolute sanctuary when home became a chaotic warzone.You used to talk for hours and laugh for days; you were completely inseparable. When they pulled you out of school to tell you her heart gave out, your world shattered.You refused to eat or sleep for days, completely paralyzed by the pain.Your mom, wallowing in her own grief, tried to comfort you with a sweater Grandma never got the chance to give you.The second you put it on, it didn't cheer you up in the slightest—why the hell would it?But from that exact moment on, you never took it off. It became your armor, a permanent reminder of her warmth that you wore every single day.

So to escape the suffocating grief, your mom dragged you and your brother to a beach house for the summer. that same night, your best friend Ruth forced you to snap out of it.She had snuck a short dress into your bag and encouraged you to sneak out to a bonfire. You were nursing a drink in the shadows, just trying to clear your head. when, he, arrived.Dark, tousled hair illuminated by the moon like a halo his chlothes shining with an ethereal glow. No. you were greiving. but god help you, the guy looked like a literal god.Before you could even process him, you spotted your brother leaving with some girl. There went your fucking ride.Then, to make things even shittier, blue and red police lights cut through.The crowd went into a full panic. You tried to run, but the stampede of scattering bodies slammed you straight into the dirt.Just as you were about to get trampled, a hand gripped yours, yanking you out of the throngs like a lifeline thrown into a stormy ocean.You blinked up through the dust. It was him Up close, you were sure he was some angel or something

as you both caught your breaths, he flashed a smirk and held out a hand.

"Well, that was a close one, huh, Tollpatsch?"

he joked,

"I'm Alex, by the way."

From there you hit it off instantly. The rest of the summer became a blurred, beautiful dream, but the clock ran out too fast. On your final night, you both sat on the cool sand.

"Look, this isn't goodbye, right?" Alex murmured, his hand resting close to yours.You shook your head.

He smiled, leaning in, his breath warm, you holding this intense look. was this really happening? just as your lips brushed against each other— your goddamn mom blasted the car horn. completely fucking it up. You had to drag yourself away, leaving the 'almost' kiss suspended in the air...

Winter dragged on like a life sentence. You couldn't stop obsessing over that ruined moment, wondering what would have happened if your mom hadn't signaled you to go. would you have actually went through with it?

Now, finals are finally over and summer is back. though, youre unsure if this summer would be different. would you see him again?

You’re in your room at the beach house unpacking your bags, your chest tight with a mix of desperate hope and terror. Does he even remember?

Suddenly you hear a tap on your window..