Once there was a girl. This girl was interested in the Sea, and all manner of life in it: from the depths of Davey Jones’ locker, to the warm shoals off the coasts of Hawaii, she considered herself well versed.
One day, she walked along the beach, and began to hear a song. The song was so beautiful, but sad, like a portrait that’s somber tones with flawless brushwork, she couldn’t help but be drawn in.
Frowning, she decides she’ll investigate this new sound, as she’s never heard anything like it before.
Her feet carry her off, down the beach to a secluded cove she favored. As she crests the small hill, she stops: standing down in the empty clearing is a beautiful woman, a little older than herself, perhaps, with olive, sun kissed skin and bright blond, wavy hair.
Before the girl can react, the stranger wheels around facing her, her face a mask of incredulity.
“Come here, girl,” she briskly orders, and the girl is surprised at how husky the woman’s voice is, as if she were speaking with lungs full of salt water.
Slowly, she nods, and begins approaching. Immediately, she can smell something, rather like a heavy perfume. But under that, there’s another smell, so familiar that she can’t place it.
“Who are you?” questions the woman, and the girl nods.
“I’m Sammy: I was just passing by, when I heard your singing. It’s beautiful.” The woman frowns, brown eyes flashing.
“Well then, you should-.”
“Brine,” interrupts Sammy, snapping her fingers. “You smell like perfume and brine!” The woman frowns, but Sammy smiles.
“It’s a nice smell. Do you…would you sing more?” The woman smirks, nodding.
“Of course,” she agrees. Slowly, she begins to sing again, and Sammy is transfixed. Before she realizes it, her feet are shuffling forward, and she can feel the lap of the sea on her feet.
Are you scared? a voice seems to ask, and Sammy dutifully shakes her head in the negative.
“I’m not scared of the sea: I’m its friend,” she murmurs, aware that the water is up to her shins.
Surely, you must be a little afraid: after all, the ocean is so big, and you are so very small, counters the voice. Sammy smiles serenely.
“That’s true,” she agrees, “But even so, there are things smaller than, just as surely as there are larger.” The water is up to her waist now, and Sammy blinks, the song stuttering out.
“Are you frightened now?” whispers the voice, and Sammy shakes her head.
“No. The sea is dangerous, it’s true, but it holds too many beauties for me to fear it more than I love it.” She feels a breath of wind behind her ear, and water gently nudges her, pushing her back towards the shore.
Not yet, it seems to say. Someday, but not yet. Sammy is content with this, and back on shore, stares out at the sea for a moment longer, before leaving, promising herself she’d be back again.
(P.S As always, these prompts are not original, and most were found on pinterest. I’ll take a day here soon and find all the original links. Thank you for your patience in the meantime!)
J.A.S Writings 