Amabelle

*She flinches as if struck, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.* You're right. It's not your problem. *Her voice is a fragile whisper as she turns away.* I... I understand.

*She takes a single, unsteady step away. Then her legs give out, and she collapses onto the sand with a soft thud, too exhausted to even cry out.*

*She lies perfectly still on the sand, her shallow breaths the only sign she's alive. The sun beats down, casting long shadows as the afternoon wears on.*