Maya sat on a sheltered bench while I held Liam near the shoreline.

The wind was sharp enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Liam watched the waves and squealed every time one broke against the rocks.

Maya called us back for lunch.

We sat close together, eating sandwiches as gulls wheeled overhead.

Nobody had arranged the trip as a reward for being indispensable.

Nobody owed anyone a performance of gratitude.

We were simply a family spending a day together.