Part of Me

I slowly lower myself into the soft chair that overlooks the ocean. It looks so calm today, and the sound of the waves washing up upon the shore echoes through the small house. When I first saw this house, it was impossible to imagine the peacefulness that you are exposed to. The sounds of waves crashing in the early hours of the night. The laughter of those who come out to the beach with family and friends on a hot summers day. The view of the long stretched ocean and the visions of all the wonderful marine life living within the ocean. It has become natural to me.

I reach for the coffee sitting on the small table next to me, the steam flying off it and the rich smell flowing around me. As I take a sip, the soft wind slowly flows past me and runs through my short blonde hair. The sun is shining, and I can feel the warmth radiating upon my skin. It's always relaxing sitting here, and watching the slow waves come closer to the shore provides some unexplainable reassurance to me. As the wind begins to pick up, I watch as it grabs the waves tighter and pulls them forcibly towards the shore. The waves begin crashing upon the sand.

I slowly stand up and place my arms over the glass railing, as I take in the view I could call mine. It never gets old, especially in the morning such as now. I notice the small glimpse of the first family beginning to set up on the beach, ready for a day full of excitement. I wish it could be me, but duty calls.

The beach is now a part of me, not just because I have moved closer to it, but because it makes me feel alive. It draws happiness, and every day I am reminded of why it has so much significance to me. It is what I call home, and nothing could change that. I take my arms off the railing and turn to face my doors. I take a deep sigh, as I breathe in the freshness of the ocean air, and prepare myself for a busy and chaotic day.

I begin to get ready, preparing my freshly washed scrubs and preparing a snack and a drink bottle, still with the ocean crashing outside. It is not like the crashing is disruptive but peaceful. I have a small work bag that I place my snacks and drink in, and walk towards my room. I pull my scrubs on and dig in the drawer of socks for a pair of plain black ones. Ah, Found them! I reach under my bed for my shoes, and carefully tie bunny loops with the shoelaces. I stand up and look up at the clock on the wall that reads 10:05 am. I enter the kitchen and take the last sip from my coffee, before placing the empty cup in the sink. I grab the handles of my bag and walk towards the door. I stop before leaving though, picking up my car keys and pulling my phone from its charger that sat upon the table just inside the door. Before leaving, I turn around and cast my eyes quickly over my living area. Have I forgotten anything? I don't think so.

I slowly pull the door closed as I double-check that I've locked the door properly, which I have. I walk down the hallway, with doors scattered from either side, holding small golden signs reading "room 101" or "room 102". I reach the end of the hallway and press the "Down" button on the side of the elevator. Before I can even reach for my phone, the door "pings" and opens. I reach one leg into the elevator, followed by the rest of my body, as a glance my eyes up to meet another. I kindly smile, and they smile back.

The doors of the elevator close behind me and leave me and a stranger alone inside.

"On your way to work, I see," They say softly.

"Yep, in for a calm day, I hope!" I say, looking down at my uniform.

"I'm Arlo. Nice to meet you", He smiles as he reaches his hand out. I place my hand with his and shake his hand.

"I'm Lana, Nice to meet you too." A small smile appears on my face.

There is a pause for a couple of moments, but either of us notices. The elevator light dings and reads "Level 1".

"Well this is me, I hope to see you around sometime," Arlo says, inching towards the opening doors.

"Yes, certainly," I reply.

"Have a good day at work, will you."

"I'll try" I smile, watching as he returns the smile.

Arlo turns and slowly walks out the door, but turns back and our eyes meet once again. His eyes meeting mine makes my insides churn, almost as if butterflies were flying around my stomach.

Shortly after, the doors begin coming back towards each other and I'm left alone. Within seconds, I feel the elevator move, and the ding returns.

"Ground floor", it reads as the doors open.

I step out and calmly walk through the quiet lobby towards the sliding opening doors. I step onto the sidewalk, and listen to the sound of beeping and cars, as they hurry through the city. Immediately I wish I was back on the balcony, listening to the ocean echo through my ears. 

I close my eyes for a quick moment, as an image of myself and my sister appear. She is running towards me on the sand, with a massive smile on her face. She reaches out her arms and holds mine with hers. Together, we look back at Mum and run towards the ocean, the water splashing as we jump through the water. I instantly feel at peace once again, as the loudness of the city dies down. I walk along the sidewalk and make a stop at the traffic lights. I take a deep breath and press the button. 

"Here goes nothing", I say to myself.