Tranquility

I kept my distance the first time I visited the ocean.

A strong wind in the air picked up a chill as it crossed the water, bringing with it the scent and the sting of salt. Little gulls, far braver than I, touched ground where the foam hit the sand and pecked at things that only they could see.

Standing back, I let the sound of the waves wash over me as I watched them rise and fall. They seemed to be playing, stretching themselves as far as they could reach before the tides called them home.

Thunder cracked in the air and I wrapped my scarf more tightly around my body. The gulls cried out to each other in a warning that it was time to take flight.

I blew a kiss to the sea and promised to visit again before I walked away, the warmth of my own home calling me to return.