Cool foamy waves struck my toes
A shock sent through my entire body
The Pacific Ocean felt colder than
I thought it would there in Laguna

The sunset appeared picture perfect
I imagined it would look that way
Maroons, violets, and fuchsias overflowed the sky
Half of the massive orange ball eased into the water far ahead

I could smell the saltiness
Of the water floating before me
I felt the damp sand squishing
Between my toes beneath me

I tasted the bitter sweat dripping
From my lips into my mouth
The fresh breeze soon dried that sweat
Sending a chill down my spine

My skin no longer baked in the searing sun
Those maroons, violets, and fuchsias grew a darker shade
Only the tip of that massive orange ball rested
On top of the water now

I closed my eyes and listened
To the waves crashing onto the shore
There is no other place I would rather be right now
Became my only thought

For the first time in a while,
I felt calm and nothing else mattered.
Nothing could harm me at that moment;
I liked that feeling.

Tomorrow I have to go back home
Back to the real world
The world of love and hate
Acceptance and judgment
friendships and enemies
Comfort and distress

I then opened my eyes
The dim sky caught me off guard
I took one last look
At the ocean I fell in love with

I took a deep breath
I then turn around slowly
With my sandy exposed feet
And began to walk away