The Ocean Road

She had driven out just for air, the kind only the Pacific could give. It's salty, sharp, and relentless. The road hugged the cliffs, every curve daring her to lean into it harder. But even with the windows down, her body hummed with a restlessness that wouldn’t quiet.

At a turnout overlooking waves crashing below, she pulled over. The wind whipped her hair loose, and she laughed at the chaos of it all. Her heels came off next, left abandoned on the passenger seat.

When she started the car again, the growl of the engine blended with the ocean’s roar. Both were wild, both unstoppable. She gripped the wheel and let the two sounds carry her forward.

Heels off. Engine on. Reckless peace.