There was a letter waiting at the front desk. She took it up to the room and opened the balcony doors. Clear blue skies and the smell of coconut oil. Beneath her, couples in swimsuits walked hand in hand. She could not read the letter—not today. Maybe not ever.

D.M. Barlow is a Hong Kong-based writer who spent 25 years in advertising as an award-winning copywriter and creative director.