"Look at that picture. So beautiful. Looks so real. Like you could dive in and go for a swim."
That's what happens when you live away from the sea for so long. You see a giant picture of the sea and you think of it as a masterpiece.
"It's hard to believe this is in a gift shop. It should be in a museum."
And there it was. It's not even going to cost a tenner. Just the inconvenience of taking it home.
"Can I come and collect it later?"
No problem.
"Before you go," said the shop assistant, "stop and stare at the picture some more. You'll feel like you're in it."
I stopped and I stared.
"Wow, I'm sure I could feel a drop of water on my face."
"Oh," said the shopkeeper. "We need to fix that leak."
"No need to immerse myself then. I'll take it home."
Then a man in a wizard costume walked through the door.
"Are you a wizard?" I asked.
"Yes, I'm on my lunch break now, before the next rehearsal."
"That's right," said the shop assistant. "Merlin is playing at the local theatre."
"Ok," I said. "Nice to meet you."
For a minute, I did think I was in for a bit of magic. But so far, all I've had is a leak and an amateur actor.
"I think I'll go home now," I said. "I'll take the picture with me."
"Will you take the boat home?" asked the actor
I'm confused. How can I take the boat home if I don't live by the sea?
"No," I said. "I'll take the bus. Anyway, there's no sea."
"Don't forget to stare at the picture when you get home."
I got home and stared at the picture. It gave me a sense of calm. It made me realise something very important.
"Life is better by the sea."
And there it was, I moved back home. The picture did provide some magic after all; in its own way.
It took me a few days to sort myself out and settle. I walked into town.
I saw a shop I recognised. Except; why would it be here?
"It couldn't be the same shop, could it?" I said to myself.
I walked in anyway.
"Hello again. You got here in the end."
One minute later, a wizard walked in the door.
"Can I leave these flyers with you? The show starts tonight. Here's 2 tickets for your trouble."
…..and there it was. The same shop.
The shop assistant looked at me.
"Maybe you'll go home by boat today."
Pixabay
Freewrite, prompt by @mariannewest