Sunshine in California

Ocean waves rhythmically pounded against the jagged rocks below the wooden porch. A crisp, salty breeze swept off the Pacific, tangling through Kira’s hair as she leaned against the railing. She cupped a steaming mug of black coffee between her hands, letting the porcelain warm her palms while her gaze tracked the first streaks of dawn bleeding across the California sky. Hues of bruised purple and