From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )

Her aura was undeniably strong, a cool elegance mixed with a brisk charm.

Her hair, slightly damp, cascaded down her back in a disarray that the ocean breeze only enhanced, creating an effortless beauty.

Her face, devoid of makeup, radiated a wild allure.

"I brought you a Coke," Anthea said, tossing a bottle to Sherman.

Sherman caught it, "Thanks."

Anthea made her way to another beach chair under the umbrella, twisting the cap off her Coke and taking a large gulp of the icy beverage.

Sherman followed suit, the chilled Coke jolting his taste buds in a surprisingly pleasant way.

Before he knew it, he had finished the entire bottle, forgetting that he usually stuck to tea and water, avoiding even coffee.

Had anyone else seen him, they might have been utterly shocked.

As the sun began to dip, the sky turned a golden hue, reflected in the sea, bathing everything in a warm glow. The horizon was ablaze with the setting sun, seagulls occasionally flying by, adding life to the stunning view. "It's so beautiful," Anthea couldn't help but exclaim, a sight she knew was unique to this world.

Sherman glanced towards the sea, agreeing silently.

"Anthea," he began, his voice low.

"Yeah?"

"Do you have someone you like?" he asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

"No," she replied, puzzled by his sudden question, "Why do you ask?"

His gaze lingered on the horizon, "I'm just curious what it feels like to like someone. Is it really like what those online answers say?"

Anthea chuckled, "Why are you, of all people, worried about this?"

There was a brief silence.

"I'm not a monk," Sherman stated plainly.

"But you might as well be, with how you've renounced worldly desires," Anthea teased, then grew serious, "Have you really never been in love?" Sherman fiddled with his cross necklace, "No."

Turning her head slightly, Anthea mused, "Then I'm curious how you managed to renounce the world. Isn't that usually a path taken by those heartbroken in love?"

"I just think life shouldn't be just about marrying and having kids. It feels pointless to repeat that cycle over and over. We're not mere animals, living just to reproduce. We should live for ourselves," Sherman explained, his voice carrying a hint of passion.

"You make a good point," Anthea

nodded, "Life is indeed too short. We

should live for ourselves, not just

In

fulfill some societal checklist of

marriage and kids. What's the

difference between that and being a machine?"

"So, do you plan on finding a boyfriend?" Sherman inquired further.

Anthea shook her head, "Hard to say. Maybe, maybe not."

"Why is that?"

"I'm not like you, having seen through the illusions of the world. If the right person comes along at the right time, why not give it a try?"

Anthea was open-minded about love, neither eagerly seeking it nor outright rejecting it.

Yet, considering her lack of romantic encounters in her past life, she doubted this life would be any different.

Especially since the only person who met her aesthetic standards was, ironically, a monk in spirit... Sherman frowned slightly at her words.

Anthea not opposing the idea of love meant there was a possibility for her with Riley.

The thought of Anthea being with Riley unsettled Sherman, stirring a discomfort he couldn't quite place.

Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Anthea sprang from her chair, "Do you have a lighter?"