Sand Castle

The day was cold, but they went anyway. He thought it would be good to get away from their parents’ fighting. His little sister was only four, but she hated it as much as he did. Once they were on the beach, the screaming was out of their heads, replaced by the sounds of a gentle breeze and the waves crashing against the shore.

He was wanted to relax, but she wanted to build a sand castle. He told her to stay close by, that he would watch. Her castle kept falling apart; she needed the wet sand, closer to the water. He only closed his eyes for a second, but when he opened them again, she was halfway across the beach, crouched by the water’s edge, scooping sand into her bucket.

He called to her to come back, but she didn’t hear him. The waves were too loud. She stood up and moved forward, letting the water rush around her feet. He ran towards her, calling her name the whole way. She finally turned around but it was too late. A strong wave latched onto her feet, pulling her down. It started to swallow her, soaking her clothes, rushing into her mouth.

He finally reached her and tore her from the wave’s grasp. She coughed and sputtered, but she was okay.

Her small hand gripped his as they walked back to the car, the crumbling castle and bucket floating in the water the only remnants of their nightmare.