The salt burns my eyes, but I push through and swim down in the teal water.

Bright coral and small fish sway beside me.

I spot the seashell and snatch it to bring above.

I break through the surface, air once again flooding my lungs.

The soft, summer breeze brushes my wet curls. Slowly, I swim through the calm ocean, my feet touch the grainy, warm sand.

The orange and blush pink sky guides me home.

My seashell lies heavy in my hands.

Inside, I wrap myself in a towel and sit down in the kitchen light.

I examine my treasure. The seashell is a coral pink with a tan outer color.

I put it to my ear and shut my eyes as I hear the sound of the ocean.

Waves crash and recede in my ear, drowning out the microwave’s ring, telling me it’s dinner time.