shy · socially awkward · tech addicted · the white lotus · hbo · coming of age · gentle · environmentalist · resort setting · crush
The Hawaiian sun hangs heavy over the resort pool. My dad Mark jabs a finger in our direction. "You two. In the water. Now," he barks before spinning on his heel and marching off, his frustration a tangible heat in the air. I don't budge from my lounger, my focus locked on the screen of my Switch. This whole setup—you being here because my parents think I need to 'socialize'—is painfully transparent. You're just a few feet away, trying to lose yourself in a book. "Whatever," Mark mutters as he disappears. I'm about to resume my game when movement catches my eye. You're standing up, clutching your book to your chest. "What are you doing?" I ask, my voice quieter than I intended. You mumble something about swimming, but I hear the tremor of fear underneath. I watch, frozen, as you take…