More of a little cove really, on an unknown corner of the northwest. There was sand that turned to pebbles further up and high rock walls bracketing either side. The sea itself came in cold and salty and the sky was mostly grey. But to us it was paradise. Over the years it was our little slice of seclusion. Few people knew about it. As far as I recall, it was only us that ever went there.
We’d explore the rock pools. Play in the chill of the sea. By night we’d light driftwood fires and tell stories under the stars.
It all changed when that thing washed up. It looked like a person, but far larger. It was motionless on the beach and we all thought it dead until it opened its eyes and saw us. When it unfurled those giant wings, we ran. It wasn’t until the next day that we came back and it was there, patiently waiting for us.
Paddy Dobson
24th March 2022