By Aya Riseman, TIWP Student

“Race you to the ocean!” I scream

I run down the sand, ignoring the way it burns my feet. 

The waves crash to the shore, getting taller and taller as I get closer.

The 90-some degree heat should be slowing me down, but instead I go faster, as if my body craves the water and will do anything to get me there.

The sun burns off of my back and reflects light over the whole beach, casting a glow on the world, and I wonder how I ever could have had any problems.

I finally reach the water.

My friend dips her toes in tentatively, but I run right in, diving under the surface and swimming until I can’t anymore.

I resurface, noticing how the sun stopped beating down on me and now feels like a warmth across the whole ocean. 

The waves around me start to rise, and I jump through them, letting them swallow me.

Another comes and I dive under it.

I sit under the water, waiting for the wave to pass.

My body relaxes, and even without oxygen, I feel like I can finally breathe.