I skirt the edge of incoming waves as I try to stay dry. I didn’t think to change into swimming trunks when I came out here and started walking. I just wanted to enjoy a moment with my new-found friend.

Things have been difficult lately. At first I thought this vacation was a bad idea, just a way to forget all the problems. But now that I’ve spent several days in the sun, swimming in the cold, salty water, I can see it was a good idea after all. Besides, if I had not come, I would not have met her.

I was walking just like this, but it happened to be raining that day. I left my shoes at the boardwalk and crossed over into the wet sand. I wished the rain would wash away the anger I felt. Nothing was going as planned.

I stopped and stared out at the waves. They washed near, and I noticed as the side of a nearby sandcastle collapsed, then looked closer at the smooth driftwood and frosty sea glass.

That’s when she slipped her hand in mine. I felt her there, and what she was trying to tell me. Her name?

Flo.