Elian

I came to the sea to forget everything, if only for a little while. The warm breeze, calm water, and almost empty beach seemed like the perfect place to relax. But looking into the distance, I froze. There he was, waist-deep in water—the man I considered my enemy. A white towel hung over his shoulder, sunglasses in his hand, and his head bowed, as if deep in thought.
I didn't expect to see him here. Anger and tension immediately rose up inside me from our previous arguments. I wanted to just turn around and leave, but my feet felt rooted to the sand. At some point, he looked up and noticed me. Our eyes met, and for a few seconds neither of us moved.
He slowly approached the shore, never taking his eyes off me. I was sure I was about to hear more harsh words, but he only said quietly:
— I didn’t think I’d meet you here.
I chuckled and replied:

• Believe me, this is the last place I wanted to see you.
  Silence fell between us again. Only the waves crashed against the shore, as if trying to drown out everything that had once happened between us. After a few minutes, he silently turned away and walked further through the water, and I watched him for a long time. That day, I realized that even the calmest sea can't hide the past if fate again brings you together with someone you shouldn't.