writing challenge w/ neo !!!

Chapter 1

Words given: White. Sand. Broke. Wealthy.

I failed again.

My stance was uneven. I faced the ocean, my torn dress flying with the waves. The waves were quite violent today. It made me feel uneasy. My legs were still trembling. Running never fails to exhaust me. I took a deep breath and collapsed in the sand. The way it feels sickens me. With every grain I touch, I begin to feel even more uncomfortable. But even so, I wish to be buried in it.

The waves crashed against the shore once more. The water barely splashed against my bare feet. I scrambled back quickly and hugged myself close. I wasn't very fond of the cold.

It won't be long, now. I watched the water while I still could. Please, something stall them. I wanted the ocean to give me a gift again. I watched every single wave, hoping for something else to wash up on the shore. The last item it brought me saved my life, even if it wasn't much. Time is passing, and I haven't received anything yet. I need something, anything.

I anxiously sit in the middle of the beach. One of the wealthy families living nearby could notice me any moment. But I needed to stay right here. I have to wait for it again. I won't go home empty handed. I can't. The waves said hello to me, snapping me out of my worries for a split second.

I weakly waved my hand and smiled as the water drained away. I stared off for a moment, before noticing it. A white seashell. It wasn't anything too shiny or too large. It was actually quite small, hardly noticeable at all. My eyes widened at the sight of it as I rushed to pick it up. I held it gently, with every ounce of love and care in my heart.

I had no idea how this was going to help me, but I'm forever grateful for it's gifts. I cupped it in my shaking hands. I doubled over and held it tight against my chest. It felt so warm. My fist tightened around it. The positive feelings were too overwhelming for me.

My eyes shot open. My fingers fidgeted around the shell. I broke it. The shell was in two different pieces now. If only I wasn't so harmful. Of course, the warmth faded. I can never keep the warmth. Everything I touch turns cold. Everyone I interact with turns cold.

I need it to be warm.