What If We Drown ?

What if we Drown (33)

She took another couple of steps towards him, her eyes glowing with a mix of intrigue and wonder. But when the waves rose up and came roaring towards the sand where she stood, Ashlyn squealed and dashed back up the sand where she knew it could never reach her.

Her Father's answering chuckle was soft as it filled the air behind her. When she turned to glance his way, water clung to the hairs of his legs where the waves had crashed around him. But he was smiling, a joyous smile that said he was okay. He wasn't afraid.

Before the next wave could reach the shore, he ran back towards her haven amidst the dry sand. Sand clung to his wet feet, and rogue pieces attached themselves to his legs as he crouched beside her and whispered in her ear.

"Don't let your fear steal your joy, sweetheart. Together, we can do this," he cupped her cheek and gave a nod of encouragement. "Are you ready?" he asked, his other hand held out for the taking.

Steeling her spine, and with a determined glint in her eye, she nodded. She clasped his hand firmly in hers, and together they walked out to where the sand met the sea and waited for the next wave to approach.

The rumblings of the surf began to draw closer, and she tensed. Her grip on her father's hand grew stronger, her nails biting into the back of his hand. The instinct to run was strong, and she began to pull back.

But instead of letting her go and allowing her to run in the face of this fear, he squeezed her hand, a reminder that she wasn't alone. She was never alone. With that squeeze, he told her that he believed in her strength. In her courage.

With her eyes squeezed shut, she let the waves come, a startled squeal bursting at the same moment the wave broke around her ankles. She swayed, the force at which it came surprising her, but her father was quick to catch her, his other hand resting firmly on her shoulder.

When she felt the water begin its ticklish retreat in the direction from whence it came, she opened her eyes. When she tilted her head back and looked into the proud eyes of her father, her heart swelled within her.

Quicker than she expected, he scooped her up in his arms and spun her around, droplets of water arcing from her legs. His praises and encouragements descended upon her and carried into the rest of the afternoon as they'd played together in the shallows, his baby girl having tasted the joy of the ocean for the first time.

With him by her side, she felt safe and bold, like she could do anything. And they did. All afternoon they laughed and played and ventured further out into the surf, her father close by her side every step of the way.

When the sun had begun to set, and the waves had mellowed into gentle lapping at their feet, he'd tucked her against his side, and smiled.

"You did me proud today, baby. The way you played in the waves and were so brave." He brushed the hair back from her cheeks. "You can do anything you put your mind to, my beautiful little mermaid," he beamed, his voice a soft caress that enveloped her with its safety and assurances.

Another wave, soft and fluffy as a down blanket, rolled upon the shore and folded around their ankles.

The water was cold as it kissed her ankles, the softly spoken words dissipating on the breeze that tangled within her curls. A gasp stole from her lungs as she stumbled back, her feet dragging through the sinking sand.

That cool kiss hadn't been a part of her memory. She'd felt it, clear as day. Somehow, lost in the memory of that day with her father, she'd lost control of her movements and had drawn too close to the rolling waves.