When I was young at the beach, I remember writing my secrets and burdens on the wet sand when no one was watching. I’d watch them wash away, and I’d feel like the ocean kept my secrets, protected, safe, and hidden in the depths of the glittering waters. I remember jumping, skipping, leaping over the waves. I remember sitting cross-legged, moulding imitations of grand palaces and forts with the damp, moist and cool sand. I remember running towards the very sight of the beach, making little prints on the sand from my feet, bouncing up and down.

When I was young at the beach, I remember tasting the wet crunch of the watermelon, the juice dribbling down my chin, sweet, fresh and delicious.I’d finish the whole watermelon if I could. I remember the crumble of sand between my toes, the little twigs poking my feet, the little rocks I’d stumble upon, cold and hard, now stuffed in my pockets. I remember having my ears filled with the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, the caws of the seagulls and the chatter of people. I remember seeing the hues of blues, teals and greens, looking so big, vast, endlessly even.

When I was young at the beach, I remember happiness filling me up just like the buckets being filled with sand, water and pebbles. I remember letting out squeals of joy when my toes first touched the water, cold, freezing and chilling, yet warming to my soul. I remember how the` waves, grasping the coast, made me feel like they were calling for me. I remember how I’d laugh and laugh at the seagulls fighting for the chips I’d throw to them occasionally. I remember feeling safe, like I belonged. I remember the great sadness when I had to leave, feeling the beach sadly waving good-bye.

I will always remember everything I did, even the time when I accidentally ate seaweed and then, the secrets, each and every little jump, every sand castle. I will always remember every single bite, every single sniff of the beachy air, every single step, every single squeal of joy, for, the water is where I belong, and it will always be in my heart, no matter what.