"Emily," Vanessa replied, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil of emotions inside her. "What are you doing here?"
Emily smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I could ask you the same thing," she said. "But I think I know. I think you're here to get away from it all, just like I am."
As they walked along the shoreline, the cool breeze whipping their hair into a frenzy, Vanessa couldn't help but think about the incident that had brought them to this place. It had been a difficult few weeks, with work piling up and family obligations calling. Her husband, Tom, had been going through a tough time at his job, and the stress had been taking a toll on all of them.
"Vanessa," Emily said, her voice husky from the saltwater. "It's been a long time."