Sand was everywhere as we made our way down the shore line. It was something about the calming sounds of the ocean that quieted the war raging on in my head to a silent peaceful place. The waves crash down and carry my troubles away with them as I stare at her. She was so beautiful.

She walked along the shore line beside me, shoes in hand, looking at the beautiful landscape surrounding us and avoiding my gaze. I couldn’t help but look at her, no makeup on and glowing in the moonlight.

The night time took its toll on both of us, for her it brought demons out to play. The deeper she swam to get away, the easier it was for them to pull her under. Except, I won’t let her drown in the sorrow that keeps her up at night, so instead I wade into the waters as her protector.

I knew how she felt, lost and unable to call for help as the water filled her lungs. Fortunately, I was able to read the signs before she strayed too far from shore and I brought her to my favorite place to think, the beach. I knew that she needed company, not necessarily a conversation, and I truly cared for her.

We sat there on the shore line staring up at the stars until the stars dissolved into the morning sky, and then we watched the horizon as it began to light up bright reds and oranges revealing that another night has past. Her head lay on my shoulder and as she gazed into the sunlight admiring the burst of colors emitting from the sky.

She clung to me like a life vest, unwilling to die within the chaos of the water. She wanted to live, I could see it in the way that she looked at me, I think that’s why she hardly does, because she doesn’t quite know how to. I do and until I figure out how to express it to her, I’ll keep swimming in after her offering her a new breath of air.