We continued toward the beach on foot.
The day's heat still clung to the sand and pavement, making each step heavier. The sun pressed down on my shoulders, sweat gathering at my temples.
Even so, the beach felt worth it.
Elaris walked beside me, struggling to keep pace.
Her steps faltered, uneven, and her fatigue showed quickly.
She didn't complain, but simply slowed, head dipping as if gravity weighed more heavily on her than the rest of us.
I crouched and motioned her up.
After a brief hesitation, she climbed onto my shoulders, thighs settling against my head, hands resting lightly on my chest.
"This… is comfy~" she said.
I adjusted her, smiling. Her thick thighs hugged my head.
We walked on more carefully now, her chin brushing my head as she leaned forward.
At last, we reached the beach. A cool sea breeze swept over us, sharp with salt and seaweed.
The sun hung low, turning the wet sand gold. Seabirds cried overhead. The beach was empty, just open sand and sea.
