Lying face down on the beach towel, Linda rested her head on her crossed arms, under the blazing sun. The black sand was almost scorching around her. She didn’t go into the cool water only because she’d have to walk at least ten meters across the hot beach.

She stood behind the line, adjusted her tennis skirt, held the racket in front of her, and waited intently for the serve. The instructor bounced the ball three times before serving. Olivia had to move quickly to return all five shots.

The soothing scent of the perfume filled the room. Michéla closed her eyes. She had been waiting so long to buy it! She had never allowed herself such a luxury before.

Martha impatiently glanced around the beach dance floor for the umpteenth time, wondering how the wind had blown in so many losers. She didn’t want to go home empty-handed.

As she clenched her teeth and lifted the weights, Jane looked at herself reproachfully in the mirror. Why was she doing this? Why didn’t she just put them down, go home, and sink into the tub that offered a perfect view of the ocean and the cliffs?

The best thing about Peter was his hug. He embraced Karen with his muscular arms like a protective guardian angel. It felt so good to snuggle into him, lean close, and deeply inhale the magical blend of fabric softener, cologne, and his skin's scent.

It was around four o'clock. No matter how Jim adjusted the lounge chair on the terrace, the sun kept glaring into his eyes. He should have rolled out the awning, but he was too lazy. He felt around the stone floor, hoping to grab hold of his shirt. No luck.

The hand fan. If only she had the hand fan. Then she could sneak into the airplane’s restroom and cool her face for a few minutes. No, not just her face! She’d slip out of this awful silver plastic jumpsuit and fan herself properly.

Olivia didn’t want to sleep while her husband was still outside in the yard. She thought she’d wait for Oscar, and they’d calmly talk things through. It wasn’t a big deal that they had argued.

The ball flew high over the fence, landing straight in the street.

"Out," Steve shouted.

"No kidding, damn it" Edwin muttered quietly to himself.

"What’s up, bro, getting tired?" Steve teased.

"You wish!" Edwin answered, forcing a laugh.