© 2002 Erin Collins

As I strolled barefooted along the beach alone, I gazed out toward the white caps playing chase with the early morning sun's reflection. I dug my toes into the still cool sand, relishing this moment of solitude, for I knew it would not last. While my eyes beheld the surf, my mind was seeing another day; the day I had met him. It was much like today, I alone on the stretch of beach, a bucket in my hand, which was full of shells I had picked up earlier.

He seemed to come out of nowhere, running, obviously loving the freedom the beach afforded. He was alone. He was a bit scruffy looking, but he also had a charm about him, which attracted me immediately. His brown hair, those expressive amber eyes, and the wonderful smile he threw in my direction, was heart wrenching. I told myself before, that I would never get involved with another relationship like this again. Yet, this one seemed different.

Looking at him, I wondered whether he was already in a relationship. As I got acquainted with him, I eventually gave in. I don't know exactly how long we were together. With him, time melted away into the mundane, where we refused to go. I do know he loved me, no matter what I did, no matter what my appearance was. He was my best friend, my confidant.

He loved the beach early in the morning. He would, inevitably, wake me early in the morning, and, in spite of my grumbling protests, drag me to the beach. We would bring our Frisbee and toss it around, playfully teasing each other with it. Walking together, we left our footprints in the sand, only to have them wash away with the tide.

The first time he kissed me was that first day on the beach. It was decided right then that we would move in together I hear a noise. I brace myself, expecting it to be him, somehow.

It is only the wind. I sigh. It will never be the same again, this beach, this sand, yet, somehow, it is an eternal part of us both: a connection which will never be broken. I scattered his ashes out here, in the place he loved best.

Best Friend, My Dog. I miss you.