Waves crashed against the shore, but not in the most peaceful way. They sloshed against each other just as much as they slammed against the beach. The water was dark and churning, the beach black and glistening. The grandness of nature showed its strength and calm at the same time.

Maddie found herself sitting on a ledge about thirty feet above the water. She sat there with her knees close to her chest, hair whipping around her head. Next to her sat Tom, who was leaning back on his hands, his feet outstretched inches away from the cliff’s edge. In the dark they sat, both in their own heads.

The moons above shone so bright, making everything clearly visible, but somehow still nightly dark. One shone brighter than the other, making harsh shadows and highlights on everything found beneath its light. The second one a little ways off the the left — smaller, dimmer.

The waves got loud, one slamming so violently against the beach and rock that it sent a splash as high as the high ledge they were sitting on. A mist sprayed Maddie’s face. She closed her eyes.

“The world’s a crazy place, isn’t it.” She gazed out over the restless sea, not sure what exactly she hoped to find.

Tom sighed, “Sure is.”

In that moment, even though life was not giving her ease, Maddie felt as if the world was perfect. Wind embracing her, ocean lulling her gently. Moons looking down at them, watching over them. And for the first time in a while, she didn’t feel alone. And not only for Tom’s presence, but for the presence of the world. She felt it envelope her in its arms, remaining true. An unmistakable love was coming from everywhere around her, and a longing to stay like this forever overtook her. She knew tomorrow would bring more that was unknown, but for now, she wanted to feel like it would never end — this beautiful night under the moons — with love, and peace.

A contented sigh escaped Maddie’s lips, as she leaned back and lied down on the dry grass and cold rock. And the warm breeze brushed over her, like a loving hand.

The world truly was beautiful.