there are empty mussel shells scattered all around the rocky sand. the outsides are almost black when wet. the smooth inside shimmers like a pearl when the light hits it right. the black exterior sometimes flakes off to reveal that same shimmer on the outside, too.

the sand is soft, but mixed here and there with small sharp pebbles that dig into the soles of your feet. at the edge of the water there are piles of thick slimy brown seaweed. the waves gently wrap it around your ankles.

seagulls circle overhead and hop across the sand, eyeing your belongings with nefarious intent. they know you have food and they will fly away with anything they can get their beaks on.

there's some fun to be had in chasing them across the beach. running over the uneven surface makes you feel clumsy and heavy, like a child uncertain in its own body again.

with wet hair plastered to your neck, dripping water down your spine, even a little breeze is enough to make you shiver. the wind off the ocean stings your eyes just a little. have a seat and wrap yourself up in a beach towel; it's coarse but colorful and warmed by the summer sun.