A summer of change

The ocean breeze blew gently through the open car window, ruffling Emma's hair as she gazed listlessly at the passing scenery. Quaint cottages dotted the shoreline, painted in cheerful pastels that did little to lift her somber mood. It had been a month since her breakup with Michael, yet the pain still felt fresh. She sighed, watching the rolling waves in the distance, their rhythmic motion doing nothing to calm the turmoil in her heart.