This is Paradise

I awake to breathing in thick humid air. I wipe away perspiration built up on my forehead from a long hot night. Wrestling my way out of sheets that stick, I stretch groaning and attempt to make out the time lit up on the alarm clock next to me. The 6 o’clock sun peers brightly through parts of the window unprotected by curtain. I rub my eyes and push my hair back with one hand. It is nearly time to set off on our journey.

Packing the car is the easiest part. But the best part is the trip there. Windows down all the way, allowing a fresh breeze to brush past my face and through my hair. I know we have almost arrived. I can smell the ocean through the trees and bushes, which cover up the view of the white sandy beach behind it.

When we arrive we lay out our brightly coloured beach towels in a row. The sickly sweet stench of sunscreen enters my nostrils as I apply it vigorously over all exposed skin. The sand is like molten lava, as it burns the souls of my feet. I dash to reach the relief of the cool blue water beyond it. It is like ice splashing up against my skin, shocking all of the muscles in my body as they tense. As my body temperature adjusts I relax and let the calm ripples lap into belly as I look out to sea.

I take in a deep breath of salty air and close my eyes. The sound of gulls, waves crashing and people laughing fills my ears. With my eyes closed tight, I can feel the warmth of the sun on my eyelids. I whisper to myself, this is paradise.

By B Cran