*Kiona*

Wearing only my chemise and panties, I sit on a blanket on the sand and watch the waves lap at the shore, enjoying the motion and the constant slapping. Earlier I had taken off my dress and taken a quick dip into the frigid water. Now the late morning sun has almost dried me and is presently kissing my skin.

When I depart this place the day after my birthday, when the promise of it is no longer mine but has transferred to my cousin, I will no doubt again be marred by freckles, and I no longer care. They will mark spots where not only the sun has...