The Sea

IX

The girl set down her book. She walks out of her room. Her feet are now soaked, the water reaching until her ankle bone. She leans forward, curling her knees to touch the soft sand. Her hair is getting swept away by the sea breeze. A smile is plastered on her face.

She moves another step forward. The water is now up to her shins. It's cold against her skin. She loves the feeling. She takes a seat. Her bottom half is now submerged beneath. Her feet are stretched out. Her clothes float as she goes under the water. She plays with the hem of her dress as the waves calmly clashes against the shore. Sometimes it was too strong that the girl got lifted an inch or more. She fidgets, uncomfortable of the feeling of the rough sand going under her shorts. She stands up and wiggles, but sits back down again in a comfortable position.

She's in her own little bubble. It's like a shield that when penetrated she would cower. The feeling of someone getting too close doesn't sit well with her. She's too shy, too scared, or too awkward on the matter.

She moves to be on her knees. The water ripples with her every move. She crawls further into the sea, and when it's deep enough, she let go of her body. She let herself float and bathe in the warm sun. Occasionally she would kick her feet and flap her arms but never going too far. Sometimes she would even make what would be called a snow angel if she was in snow, only that she's in the water. She stayed like that for a long time. Floating, moving a few times, but mostly relaxed. Her eyes are closed as if she's listening to the sound of the sea. It's like she's having a conversation with somebody. She's meeting with the waves and getting to know them. When they are too strong and almost drown her, she stands upright and she swims a few steps back. But, despite that, she goes back to floating when the waves aren't too much.

This continues on until the sun set. She talkedwith the waters and it responded. She made acquaintances. Contrary to herreserved nature, she entered her forbidden dimension. She left the comforts ofher home. She left her safe zone. While still inside her protection bubble, sheapproached unknown people. "Never talk to strangers," that's the first rule.But never forget, friendships are formed from two strangers talking with eachother and creating a bond that'll last for so long, maybe days, maybe weeks,maybe months, maybe years, and maybe even forever.