“It is,” I said, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

We got out of the car and walked down to the wooden bench overlooking the water.

The wind was cool, carrying the salty scent of the sea.

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, on my scars, and on my hands.

For the first time in years, the ashes of the past were completely gone, swept away by the ocean breeze.

We sat together in the quiet afternoon, finally at peace, ready to begin our lives again.