Sitting on a sandy beach one evening in May, she took in the quaint charm and the obsolete population of the abandoned coastal town. The palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, making it feel like an episode of Miami Vice. The waves lapped gently at the shore, and the sky was painted with shades of purple and pink. As the sun set, she felt a deep sadness settling over her. An old friend had just passed away, leaving a gaping hole in her heart.

The anachronistic town she found herself in was once a bustling tourist destination, famous for hosting some of the world's largest music festivals, but now it was quiet, almost forgotten. She wondered if all things had to be forgotten eventually and, in that moment, she swore to remember her friend for as long as she lived. Something about feeling alone in this beautiful town brought solitude to her heart. 

However, she wasn't alone. A new friend of hers, whom she had met during her travels, had decided to come with her to the beach that night. He made her laugh, despite not understanding what it meant to her in the moment, it was something she hadn’t been able to do in weeks. His curly hair was messy in the wind, and he slouched, possibly due to his tall and lanky posture, or maybe because he was a million personalities in one and his body couldn't keep track of what they all wanted to do. Sometimes he seemed to be suprised and humored by things that came out of his own mouth. He felt like the one person in a sea of strangers where she could really be herself with again.

Summer was unfolding, and she found herself settling into a slightly tacky but hospitable hostel. It had a modest charm that she couldn't help but appreciate. Whenever she walked through the entryway, the warm greeting from the woman working downstairs was a reassuring constant. With her grandmotherly air and her thick, furrowed eyebrows that fell over her eyes, she had a certain aura that would put you at ease. The woman's smile was infectious and willingness to lend a hand was heartening. Yet, the girl couldn't muster the energy to reciprocate her optimistic vibe. Waves of grief and tears had drained her dry, leaving her feeling hollow. But even though she couldn't mirror the small gesture, it made her stay that much more bearable.

Occasionally, the power would go out in the town. Though it could be looked at through a somber lens, there was one thing that brought her a sense of comfort: the stars. She longed to sit down next to old friends she cared for and listen to them talk about the mysteries of the universe. It was a warm evening, a warm hint of summer in the air.

Lost in thought, her mind wandered to her new friend. She liked to be near him, to feel the warmth in his voice and get lost in his enthusiasm. She appreciated company in a new way since her friend's passing and wanted to sit there and just exist. The sand was cool under her feet, and the waves continued their hypnotic rhythm. She could sense an energy between them, a hint of flirtation seemed to hang in the air.

Looking out at the water and the waves, she listened to his stories about the stars. He was a sailor, and through his work on boats, knew much about the constellations and the stories behind them. He had told her about the story of Orion and how he was a great hunter who fell in love with the Pleiades, a group of seven sisters who were also stars in the sky. Orion pursued them relentlessly, but the gods took pity on the sisters and turned them into doves, so they could fly away and escape his advances. Orion still chases them across the sky, and if she looked up on a clear night, she can see him following the Pleiades across the heavens.

He shared another story with her, one that was even older than the story of Orion and the Pleiades. He told her about the constellation of Draco, the dragon, and how it was said to guard a treasure of immeasurable value. The Greeks believed that the golden fleece, sought after by Jason and the Argonauts, was hidden beneath the dragon's tail. Other cultures had their own versions of the story, but they all agreed that the dragon was fierce and powerful, and that anyone who tried to steal the treasure would face certain death. She thought about death, as she continued to watch the endlessness of the waves.

As he spoke, the stars above twinkled in the sky, and their light reflected in the water below. Sitting there, listening to his stories and watching the stars, she felt a sense of peace and contentment. She wanted to tell him that it was more than just a fleeting moment, but she also wanted respect and friendship above all else.

She was hesitant, always unsure if the timing was right. She longed for acceptance, to be valued for her intellect and personality, like her friend did before. Then, in what felt like an eternity, he confessed his desire to kiss her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she struggled to catch her breath.

She knew she had a choice to make. She could give in to her desires, or she could stand firm in her convictions. For the first time, she said no when she wanted to say yes. She feared rejection and judgment from her past, but to her surprise, he respected her decision and the waves continued on.

They sat on the beach, admiring the stars and listening to the ocean. He was an exuberant and vivacious character, talking excitedly about anything and everything, and she loved every minute of it. It was a moment frozen in time, a beautiful memory that could be cherished forever.

She often thinks of that night, the stars and the ocean serving as a reminder of the friend she made. She wonders what other stories he has to tell, imagining what the mountains looked like behind the veil of darkness. She was grateful for her new friend, the sailor who knew the stories of the stars.

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