FICTION | THE WATCHESS | PART 3

Sun(daes), Sand, and More Sand

Watery Wednesdays, #8: 20–26 July 2023

In April 2023, Alec Zarenkiewicz challenged me to pick any topic and write about it every day for a year.

I’m keeping things simple: a few lines each day about water, to be shared (if possible) weekly.

This week, let me know if anything doesn’t make sense. I’ve been feeling woozy, which is difficult for looking at a screen.

Content Warning: language.

20/7/2023

Milo only slowed down again at the point where the sands met the coastal walkway.

The path followed the beach, then carried on into town. But before that, on the opposite side to the sea, stood the reason he worked this extra job: Julia.

She was slightly younger than he was, much more put together, and as pretty as the smoothies-and-sundaes kiosk… wasn’t, today.

21/7/2023

Today, it looked like a bomb site.

Almost. At least the hut was intact. Julia was standing right by it, on a large patch of sand.

22/7/2023

‘What happened?’ Milo called, as he crunched his way over to her.

‘Oh, some guys had a fight on the beach last night. Sand everywhere. Everywhere. Take a look.’ She jerked her head at the open hatchway.

23/7/2023

Milo peered inside. The usual baby pink decor was splattered with brown. ‘Wet sand?’

‘Yup. Couldn’t have opened even if you’d been on time.’

24/7/2023

‘I’m sorry, Julia,’ said Milo, pulling away from the hatch to face her. ‘Something turned up in the pool.’

25/7/2023

Julia shook her head. ‘I don’t know why you stay with that stupid agency. Sooner or later, they’ll end up treating you like shit, sending you to work for the worst people. It’s like they think it’s normal.’

Despite her anger, Milo smiled. ‘Their world isn’t ours, though.’

‘No,’ she agreed, ‘but we’re too close.’

26/7/2023

She repeated the phrase, swearing this time, and kicked at the sand outside the kiosk.

This patch was dry. It sprayed across the coastal walkway, almost showering a passer-by.

‘Sorry,’ Milo called, before turning back to his friend. ‘Come on, Julia. Let’s work it out over there.’

Summarize