I could see the stony sea in the distance, the one thing I’d been looking for this entire trip. I was never one for sandy beaches with children screaming and the sea violently crashing upon the shore. I liked it calm and quiet; there was no one else here but me and my thoughts. Some may say it would be lonely all by oneself, in fact, many of those whom I was close with had said those exact words, but I disagree. Everyone had their own hobbies or how they enjoyed their time. For me, it was long walks on the stone beaches.
The sounds of the soft lapping of water filled my ears, along with the stones crunching and shifting under my boots. It was serene. My legs never tire, not even once. I had to get to my destination, which had yet to be determined. Usually, it would be my car, which would mean walking back in the dark. I didn’t have much of a problem with that, I knew I was safe. It wasn’t like anyone lived around here anyway. Both a shame and a blessing that fact, it meant that no one else would be able to see the sunset I saw every single time, but that also meant I could be selfish and always have it to myself. Not only that, but I would also get to keep this safe haven away from grubby hands that might want to ruin it with pollution and trash.
By the time I’m finally out of my mind, I can see that I almost missed the sun making its descent. That would’ve made this trip for nothing. I stop to stare at the star, its rays changing the ever-blue sky into many shades of awe-inspiring reds, yellows, and oranges. The clouds turned into shades of pink, making the sky look like it was full of cotton candy, a child’s fantasy world. Even though I’ve seen this thousands of times, it never got old. It was always like I was seeing for the first time.
I stood in the same spot till the sunset was long done, waiting for my mind and legs to cooperate and get on the move once more. After what had felt like an hour, I bent down to pick up a stone that was under my feet. There wasn’t much that was special about it, as it looked like any other stone on this beach, smooth, flat, and round. But it held a memory. Another walk, another sunset. One more week, one more month. It was all a reminder. A reminder of your memory. A reminder of what we used to do together, our walks on the stony beaches.
See, I did truly enjoy these secluded beaches not only for their secluded nature but as a way to honor you in my own way. I promised I would never forget. Each stone, another sunset without you. But you said to never be sad, so I’m not. We both saw it coming, and I got over it before it happened. So here I am, walking back to my car after such a long walk, memories rushing through my mind. My life is better than it ever has been, all thanks to you giving me a little push. When I get home, I’ll make sure to put one more stone in your garden. For us.