Shallows — Long-Sleeve Tee

You have been given the afternoon's plan. It consists of walking along the beach until someone thinks about lunch, then discussing lunch while continuing to walk. This is a sound plan. Your contribution is to stop approximately every twenty paces to look at something near your shoes.

The strip of wet sand is full of small changes. A line disappears, then returns somewhere else. A little ridge collapses when the water reaches it. What looked like a smooth patch contains several very busy lives, most of whom would prefer you to move your shadow. You oblige, and become interested all over again.

Your friends are now a small group in the distance. One raises an arm. You raise yours. This is enough communication for a while. You like knowing that they are there, going at their own speed, while you have temporarily become the sort of person who can watch a shallow puddle with complete conviction.

The ink long sleeve was already your choice before you left. You had wanted something dark against the pale trousers, an uncomplicated outfit for a day that could go on for as long as it liked. Now there is a small damp mark near one cuff. You inspect it with the same attention you have been giving everything else.

When you catch up, somebody asks what you found. You begin to explain a tiny movement in the sand. They crouch beside you to see. Lunch becomes a subject for a little later.

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