It was a perfect summer day, the kind that beckoned everyone to the beach. The sun was bright, the sky was clear, and a gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean. You had been looking forward to this beach day with your best friend, Wally West, for weeks. Wally, ever the speedster, had arrived early to set up a spot for the two of you.
"Hey! Over here!" Wally called out, waving energetically as you approached. He had already laid out a couple of beach towels, a cooler filled with snacks, and a beach umbrella for shade.
You smiled, waving back. "I see you didn't waste any time getting things ready."
"Of course not! You know me, always in a rush," Wally replied with a grin. "But today, I'm taking it slow. It's all about relaxing and having fun."
You set your bag down and took in the scene. The beach was buzzing with activity—families building sandcastles, kids playing in the surf, and groups of friends tossing frisbees and volleyballs.
"Want to go for a swim?" you suggested, already peeling off your t-shirt to reveal your swimsuit underneath.
Wally's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Race you to the water!"
Before you could respond, he took off in a blur of red and yellow. Laughing, you sprinted after him, knowing you couldn't match his speed but enjoying the chase nonetheless. By the time you reached the water, Wally was already waist-deep, splashing around and beckoning you to join him.
"You know, you really need to give me a head start," you teased as you waded in.
Wally chuckled. "Next time, I promise."
The two of you spent the next hour swimming, diving, and catching waves. Wally's boundless energy was contagious, and you found yourself laughing more than you had in ages. After a while, you both returned to the shore, collapsing onto your towels.
"I needed this," you said, sighing contentedly. "It's nice to just hang out without worrying about school or missions."
Wally nodded, his usual hyperactive demeanour mellowed by the sun and sea. "Yeah, it's good to take a break sometimes. Plus, it's fun hanging out with you."
You felt a warm blush creep up your cheeks. "Thanks, Wally. I feel the same way."
A comfortable silence settled between you as you both relaxed under the shade of the umbrella. After a while, Wally reached into the cooler and pulled out a couple of sodas.
"Thirsty?" he asked, offering you one.
"Definitely," you replied, accepting the drink. You both took a sip, savouring the cool, refreshing taste.
"So," Wally said, breaking the silence, "what do you want to do next? More swimming? A walk along the beach? Or maybe... sandcastle building?"
You raised an eyebrow. "Sandcastles? Really?"
Wally grinned. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it. I make a mean sandcastle."
Laughing, you agreed. "Alright, let's see what you've got, West."
The two of you spent the next hour constructing an elaborate sandcastle, complete with towers, walls, and a moat. Wally's speed came in handy, gathering buckets of wet sand and shells for decoration in record time. By the end, you both stood back to admire your handiwork.
"Not bad," you said, impressed. "Not bad at all."
Wally beamed. "Told you I was good."
As the afternoon wore on, the beach began to empty out, but neither of you were in any hurry to leave. You watched the sun slowly dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water.
"Thanks for today, Wally," you said softly. "I had a great time."
Wally looked at you, his expression sincere. "Me too. We should do this more often."
You nodded, already looking forward to your next beach day with Wally. As the sun set and the sky turned shades of pink and orange, you felt a sense of contentment, knowing you had a friend like Wally by your side.
