The beach was alive with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, children laughing as they chased each other through the water. It may have been late, but the world was not yet dark, the sun still shining through tree branches as it began to sink down into the ocean.

The unmistakable smell of barbecue wafted through the air, a man in an apron yelling out to two young boys that dinner was ready. The boys clambered over each other to win the race for a delicious hot dog with just the right balance of ketchup and mustard.

A high pitched giggle turned heads as everyone nearby looked at the little girl who could barely stand having the time of her life playing with a dog more than twice her size. The owner and the girl’s mother stood together, chatting and laughing as if they were old friends that knew each other long before their beloved young ones found each other on the beach.

The sand was still warm from the sunlight, but it didn’t scorch feet anymore, a welcome surprise to the group of children who ran out of the water to dry off and go home to bed.

Birds flew overhead, spreading their wings and singing songs whose lyrics only they knew. To some, they were a nuisance, to others, a majestic sight. Cheering kids took turns trying to lure the flying creatures be it with a piece of hot dog bun or a salted chip.

Even as the sky grew dark, as parents started to shepard their children home, some stayed, lying on their towels and looking up into the sky. Looking up at the stars that painted patterns in the sky, tracing the constellations with their fingertips.

And only once they were gone did the world go quiet, until the crickets were starting up their song again, like they did each night to fill the silence.

And a beautiful summer’s evening turned to a beautiful summer’s night.