She walks along the beach,

bare feet scorched by blistering sand.

She walks closer to the water

its cool froth rolling over her toes

Making her smile

A fleeting gift.

Jellyfish bob closer

Hidden beneath the surface

a shocking sting to her ankle that

makes her wince.

She steps from the water to damp sand

leaving rounded depressions

Footsteps of her journey.

For a moment, peace

as she makes her way

determined to continue

until

another step

onto a jagged piece of broken shell.

It slices deep

and she cries out, falling to her knees.

Head bows

and tears of pain spill down her cheeks

to splash in the sea

Salt mixing with salt.

Despair fills her

and her eyes close

shoulders slump

fingers trail listlessly in the water.

Pointless, the journey.

Around her, soft breeze grows stronger

a gentle beat pulsing to lift her hair

feathery soft touch caresses

absorbing tears.

golden light filters down

warming and filling her

graceful white beings

surround and shelter.

wings stretch, touching,

encircling. Their

whispers brush against her

encouragement.

they lift her,

an unseen hand cupping her chin

lifting and turning her

to face the unbroken beach before her.

she takes a step

stumbles

then steadies

still filled with golden hope.

Another step

and another

hearing their soft wingbeats

behind her.

the wind?

she hesitates and turns

looking back at the path taken

They hover, still watching

a shimmery outline against the horizon

she blinks

imagination?

reality?

a smile and she turns

taking another step

and another

More hurts

More comforts

The journey does not end.