How to Honeymoon Alone

by Olivia Hayle

“Well, you missed the part about falling in,” I say. “That’s key.” “Oh, is it?” “Yeah. To celebrate a successful catch, you know. It’s a ritual to give thanks to the ocean. But don’t worry,” I say and reach out to pat his arm. His skin is warm beneath my fingers. “You’ll get there eventually.” He raises an eyebrow. “Thank you for the encouragement.”

The sand is warm and soft beneath me, and probably all kinds of dirty. I prop my head up on an arm. “You don’t take tumbles regularly?” “No, can’t say that I do.” “This is my… third in a week. You get used to it.”

“Perhaps I’m different back home,” he says. “But aren’t you?” I consider the question. “Yes. I usually wear more clothes.”