The island was so quiet. I could hear the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees that

covered the land and the sound of the tide rolling over the small beach. But there were no

animal sounds, no human sounds. Just auditory emptiness. Every step I took sounded like a thunderous

crunch disrupting the quiet. It reminded me of being out of funeral. There's no rule against

functioning at regular volume, but there's this presence in the air that seems to mute sounds,

leaving you with the feeling of being inappropriate if you speak above a whisper.

When Daphne had told me she wanted us all to go check out a deserted island just off the coast,

I had some mixed feelings. On the one hand, partying on an island sounded like a lot of fun.

On the other, probably a great place to get tetanus. So I was hesitant. Daphne had anticipated that,

which was why she made sure to tell me over and over that tide would also be coming.

So of course I said yes, like the young dumb and in love person that I am.

Ted rode in front of me on the boat to the island, and I couldn't help sneaking glances at his

rugged profile catching the sun on the horizon. A halo of sea spray, making him seem to glow.

We'd pick him up from his internship at Douglas Motors, and on the way over, he'd changed out

of the mechanics uniform we hated so much, and into surf shorts and a polo that screamed,

I'm a bro. I'd have to test that in anyone else, but on him, I'd have found a paper bag for

door attractive. I was so smitten at her. Leo and George rode in the front of the boat, because,

of course, they were sitting together. I tried not to take my single lady angst out on everyone,

but they were still giggly and always holding hands, and they'd just had their one-year

anniversary. It really feels inappropriate for them to be so happy in their relationship,

while I'm still sleeping alone. I mean, seriously, but obviously my jealousy is only on the surface.

George has been in our friend group since middle school, and he's never been happier than since

...