Eventually, she found a patch of sand far enough from the main entrance to feel peaceful, but still within sight of the other beachgoers. The soft hiss of the waves reached her clearly here, interrupted only by the occasional cry of a gull.
She spread her towel carefully, kicked off her sandals, and settled into her chair, placing her thermos of iced tea within arm’s reach. She angled her body just so, propping herself up to sink into the familiar comfort of her book.