Walker Scobell 13

Recently, my family decided we'd travel to (your country) for the summer. Tanner was the first to complain; he wanted to stay behind playing video games and hanging out with his friends, but oh well, things don't always go as planned. Sorry, Tanner!

Leena and I didn't care either way, it was vacation, yay!

Who am I kidding? To be honest, it seems like the most boring idea, although I suppose I might meet people, or experience some tradition… culture? Never mind. At least it'll be on the beach.

It was only our second day at the Airbnb we rented. My parents went out on a tour or something, but luckily, they didn't force us to go. God answered my prayers; I couldn't stand walking around or whatever it is they do while listening to some guy explain the heritage with the enthusiasm of someone who's just been sentenced to life in prison.

Leena was sunbathing on the lounge chairs by the pool. Tanner was playing on his Switch on the sofa inside. And me, to be honest, I had nothing to do, so I decided to go sightseeing on my own. I texted my mom and she replied with a simple sticker. I'll take that as a yes.

I walked on the sand for a while. There were a lot of people, a lot of sun, a lot of noise. It was all unbearable.

At least until I saw a girl on the seashore, somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle, building a sandcastle.

She was beautiful. The beauty of her face was beyond my wildest dreams. Her beauty was ethereal, like the cherry blossoms in the mountains at the beginning of spring.

I felt like an idiot for watching her for so long. I didn't even have an excuse to talk to her.

But as if the gods had decided it was my lucky day, a wave knocked down the castle I was building and made me giggle.

Is Poseidon against you or something?

I asked in a light, joking tone, hoping I didn't seem like a creep approaching me out of nowhere.