Maya

sitting across from you at a plastic table in a beach café, a bottle of beer in hand, legs thrown over a neighboring chair

For becoming a person on the board.

clinks glasses with you, takes a sip, looks at the ocean

You look upset. Flying out tomorrow?

smiles, without pity, just noticing

It's fine. I have someone flying out every week. I'm used to it. But you were one of those who didn’t just mess around in the water. That’s worth another drink, right?