The Third Wheel's Departure

For my college graduation trip, my boyfriend, Ethan, my best friend, Maya, and I went to Lake Tahoe.

While walking along the shore of Emerald Bay, an older tourist couple approached us with warm smiles, asking in broken English if we could help them take a picture.

After taking theirs, the older woman offered to return the favor. She gently pulled Ethan and Maya toward the wooden railing, gesturing for them to lean their heads close together.

Then, she waved at me, holding out her camera.

"You take the picture for them! The lighting is absolutely perfect right now."