The empty beach is calm, waves crashing onto the shore, sending mist into the air. Footsteps sink softly into the moist sand, only to be washed away by the waves, just like problems that seem deep but eventually fade away.
It’s unusual to see such a small crowd on the beach at sunset.
Far beyond the ocean, mountains stand tall. Even from hundreds of miles away, they remain visible to the naked eye.
The sun is tired, ready to sleep, slowly sinking behind the mountains. It has turned dark orange, fading away, only to rise bright again tomorrow.
Above, the half moon has risen, it’s that brief moment when the moon and sun share the sky before parting ways.
A handsome man, topless, wearing sunglasses, sits on the beach with a relaxed posture. His toned physique suggests he works out regularly, and with his confident look, he seems like someone from the business or IT world. On his lap, a beautiful woman rests, completely at ease.
To his right, a big Bernese Mountain Dog sits, facing him. It doesn’t care for the breathtaking view, not the ocean, not the sunset, not the beach, not the towering mountains. Tired from playing all day with its human, it only cares about one thing, being with him. The man gently runs his fingers through its thick fur, a quiet gesture of affection.
On his left, a beautiful woman rests on his lap, completely at ease. She is breathtaking. Her hair falls over her shoulder, shifting slightly with the breeze, like the waves rolling onto the shore. The setting sun casts a soft glow on her skin, highlighting her elegance. She isn’t looking at the ocean, the sky, or the waves, her gaze is fixed on her man, steady and full of quiet emotion. The man must be so lucky to have her. Looking at him now, she feels just as she did on the day she fell in love with him, as if time had never moved.
She feels like the luckiest woman on earth to be loved by him. She is thankful, but she doesn’t need to say it, he can see it in her eyes.
The man’s left arm is wrapped around her, his left hand holding hers. A quiet moment settles between them. Then, he notices something, the dog and the woman, both staring at him. He catches their gaze, their silent awe directed at him.
He smiles, raising an eyebrow. A small gesture, What’s wrong?
She shakes her head slightly, as if to say, Nothing.
But he understands exactly what she means.
They stay locked in each other’s gaze, lost in their own thoughts.
The man wonders Does she deserve better? Am I enough for her? I try, but is it ever truly enough? She smiles at me, but is she happy? Or does she just not want to hurt me?
Lying on his lap, she looks into his eyes. He does so much for me… more than I deserve. And what do I do in return? Hardly anything.
She should do more, she knows that, but a part of her loves how much he cares for her.
Is it wrong to enjoy it?
Guilt settles in, and she blushes, lowering her gaze for a moment, hoping he doesn’t notice.
His fingers reach for her hand, pausing on the ring. His thumb rests on the diamond, and his thoughts grow heavier. He looks at it, the questions creeping back. Is he doing enough? Is she truly happy? In the end, her happiness is all that matters to him.
After a long moment of silence, he finally asks, “Should I play a song for you?”
She nods, but before she can speak, he cuts in with a knowing smile. “Don’t say anything. I know what you like.”
She rolls her eyes, smiling, like she’s almost proud of him.
He reaches behind him, pulling out his violin.
“I love you” he says, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
He’s about to start playing when…… a distant laugh echoes, followed by hurried footsteps….
A football comes flying at him, smacking him right in the face, almost like snapping him out of the doubts and insecurities he holds in his mind.
A child’s voice cuts through his thoughts. “Dad! Don’t play Mom’s song!!! Play my favorite song!!!”
The dad blinks, his hand still on the violin, his mind still half stuck in the questions he was asking himself moments ago. Then, he looks at his son, his son. The answer had been right in front of him all along. This boy, their boy, was proof enough.
He laughs, brushing the sand off his face, while the mom teases, “Dad will play only if you say sorry for hitting him with the ball.”
The kid grins. “Sorry, Dad!”. Then, excitedly, “PLAY!!!”
The sky is now in three colors, the orange sun has sunk behind the deep mountains, the white clouds shine one last time for the day, and above them, the sky is dark blue. A treat for the eyes.
Dad starts playing the violin.
Mom starts singing their son’s favorite song.
Their son throws the football into the air, catches it, and dances.
The dog moves its head onto the man’s right lap.
Mom smiles, watching their son dance.
Dad feels so proud of what he has now. At this moment, nothing else matters.
Where the Sun Meets the Moon, Isn’t This the Life We All Deserve?
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Published on: 02/14/2025, at 3:40 PM.
© 2025 Rishikesh Jangam. All Rights Reserved.
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