Tides | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Tides | Previous Challenge Entry
By Arlene Baker
09/07/22
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Ten days until graduation! Shirley dug her toes into the warm sand as her eyes scanned the liquid expanse before her. Three full months of freedom before college. Excitement shivered up her spine.

Rushing and retreating water pulled at her feet. She widened her stance to maintain balance. What’s after that? A career? Marriage? Who cares! She flung both hands wide and faced the afternoon sun. Right now, I’m savoring this moment, here at my most favorite spot on the planet.

Five years later, Shirley and Ted stood in the exact same place, faces turned toward setting sun. Hand in hand, they pledged their lives together. Forever. As the pastor stepped aside, sudden realization hit her.

This is my last time here.Ted’s promotion called for a move to the Midwest. Goodbye, old friend.Without thinking, Shirley dashed into her beloved waves as the joy of her new life clashed with the pain of loss.

“What are you doing?” Ted hollered. Shirley giggled as the first big wave hit her at the knees, almost knocking her over. She jumped each oncoming wave until their towering strength forced her to dive under. The veil tore from her head as she surfaced again with a delighted whoop. Her befuddled groom dogpaddled nearby.

“I couldn’t let you be accused of total insanity,” he chuckled, “so I decided to join you.”

“Thank you, Ted, for understanding me.”

“Always. That’s what I just vowed before God and man, isn’t it?”

“Sure is.” The couple splashed in happy abandon for some time before returning to the shore. Shirley’s mom held up the sodden veil with a shrug.

“Thanks, Mom.” She snatched it and plopped it on Ted’s head. “Here’s to a whole new life, with Mr. Right.”

Hello, Old Friend. A long sigh.
Shirley stood by the shore and dug her toes into the sand as the tide pushed her first inland and then dragged at her knees to pull her out. Her great-granddaughter squealed in delight as she clung to Shirley’s hand.

“Gammy, Gammy,” she squealed. “Water pulling me.” She slapped at the oncoming wave. “Bad water, bad.”

Shirley laughed. “Hold tight to Gammy. I won’t let you fall.”

She scanned the watery expanse as the water pushed and pulled with the same force and continuity of her youth. In and out. Ebb and flow. Just like the breath in my body. It never ceases … until it does. She blinked back tears. Like Ted. His earthly life tide had ended a decade ago.

Shirley reached into her beach bag. Her fingers curled around the half-century-old veil, tucked in one corner. I still miss you. She swallowed back tears.

I will never leave you or forsake you.

The thought startled her, settled her, refreshed her.

Ah, Lord. Thank you for the reminder. You gave me a wonderful man. We shared joy and sorrow. She paused. Again Shirley studied the vast expanse before her as Emmy bobbed up and down in the waves.

Just the same as when I was Emmy’s age. Never changing. Just like Your love, Lord. It is as ceaseless as this tide. It flowed before my birth and will continue flowing long after my own death. And Emmy’s. And Emmy’s great-grandchildren’s.

Emmy dashed off to pick up a shell. And another. And another. Shirley raised both hands toward the afternoon sun.

What’s next for me? Suddenly, she flung them wide. “Who cares?” She cried. “Who cares? I have my children, grandchildren and greats. Best of all, I have YOU, Lord. I have You.” She turned just as Emmy darted up to her.

“Look, Gammy.” She held up both palms filled with broken, nondescript shell fragments. “Pretty!”

“Yes, sweetie." Shirley touched one with a gnarled finger. "Very pretty.”

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