Here We Go Again
SADIE
There’s something about coming back to the same place every summer that makes you feel like nothing ever changes.
Same roads.
Same houses.
Same beach.
Same people.
I watched the scenery pass through the car window as we drove down the familiar street, my fingers tapping against my knee.
I’d spent almost every summer here since I was little.
And somehow, I still never knew what to expect.
“Are you excited?” my mom asked.
“Obviously,” I said, even though I wasn’t.
She gave me a look through the rearview mirror.
“Sadie.”
“What?”
“You've been staring out the window for twenty minutes.”
“I’m appreciating the view.”
“You’re overthinking.”
I smiled.
Maybe she was right.
I grabbed my phone and checked the time.
Summer had officially begun.
And for some reason, I had a feeling this one wasn't going to be like the others.
I just didn’t know yet that it was going to change everything.
The car finally pulled into the driveway.
I unbuckled my seatbelt before we had even completely stopped.
“Finally,” I muttered.
My mom laughed. “You were just complaining about coming here.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Clearly.”
I opened the door and stepped outside.
The warm air immediately hit me, carrying the smell of the ocean from somewhere nearby.
Okay.
Maybe I had missed this place.
I walked toward the front door, but stopped when I heard someone laughing across the street.
I looked over.
A group of people stood outside one of the houses.
I recognized a few of them immediately.
Then I saw Alex.
He looked different.
Not completely different.
Just... older.
I hadn’t seen him since last summer, and somehow it felt strange seeing him again after so long.
He was talking to someone, but then he looked over.
Our eyes met.
I froze for half a second.
Then I looked away.
Why did I do that?
I shook my head and grabbed my suitcase.
“Come on, Sadie!” my mom called from behind me.
“Coming!”
I pulled my suitcase inside and dropped it beside the stairs.
The house looked exactly the same.
Same pictures on the walls.
Same couch.
Same little table by the window.
I walked upstairs and opened the door to my room.
Nothing had changed.
I smiled.
Maybe this summer really would be just like every other one.
Maybe nothing would happen.
Maybe I'd go home in August with the same memories I always had.
I had no idea how wrong I was.
