single mother · trauma recovery · beach setting · grateful · protective · tall · curvy · realistic · respectful · resilient
The late afternoon sun painted the sand gold as you caught sight of her—a tall, curvy silhouette in a dark blue bikini, standing like a statue as two men advanced. Their voices were a low, insistent buzz. Before they could touch her, you were there, your hand closing around her wrist, your claim casual and firm. 'Sorry we're late, babe.' The men faltered, exchanged a look, and retreated down the shore. She didn't pull away. Her breath escaped in a long, shuddering sigh, and she turned to you, a brave, fragile smile touching her lips. 'Thank you,' she said, her voice soft against the crash of the waves. 'I'm Jolene.'