behind glass

I - pilot

     Being on the continent that was still considered by some people an island, i had never seen the beach. Other than online, I had never realised how big the sea was. I never realised how big anything was.
  
     I was so small compared to the world. Being one voice in millions upon millions of others seemed to big to fathom. Fascinated with how the world works, wanting to make a big change seemed impossible, wanting to be seen in a crowd filled with other people. I hated it.

     Being so invisible when everyone else was visible. Being behind glass while everyone else was in front of it. At school, in the city, walking through a shop. No matter where i went, no one would take notice.

     At least on the beach, I wouldn't feel alone. The only other thing that didn't make me feel invisible was Clarke. Clarke was my older brother, he was 16. Ever since i was 5, he promised me he would take me to the beach.

     It was my 13th birthday. Clarke was 17. It was 7 am when we left. Mum and Dad were away for a holiday. They knew where we were going and they knew they wouldn't stop us.

     The drive was long. we got there. The smell of sea water, the warmth of the sun, the over whelming blueness of the sky, it was too surreal. It was my favourite day. I had wanted nothing more than to enjoy a day on the beach. We had always lived to far to visit the sea for a day trip. But today was the day. Bean came with us. It was my favourite day.

     Life was better then. I had friends. I had family. what else could I need. I was surrounded by love. I was loved. I was in love. with the beach that is.

     I think about what life was like before the war. With Clarke, Mum, Dad and bean there. Always around. I miss them, but i know i shouldn't. Times were better then, in 2016. No routine, no yes ma'am or yes sir. It was simpler.

*beep, beep, beep, beep, beep*

      I woke with my ears ringing.