Laughter followed, quick and sharp. Erik kept his head down, but his wet boots slapped too loudly against the pavement, giving him away. More doors opened. The sound of gossip traveled faster than the tide.
Marta stepped out from her porch, hands planted on her hips, apron still damp from work. “What did I tell you?” she called across the street. “The sea doesn’t lie. You mocked us, Erik, and now you’ve had your lesson.”