Monday, January 6, 2025

A Real Page Turner

 

The beach was comprised of very coarse sand, filled with all sorts of eye-catching glimmers and assorted remains of tiny sea creatures.   One older couple walked along with metal detectors searching for treasures, while a small child sat with pail and shovel, building temporary housing for her imaginary friends.

Squawking on-lookers glided overhead, some hoping to see something tasty, and others simply squawking, knowing that is what the beach is supposed to sound like.

I was sitting in my beach chair, closer to the sawgrass than the breaking waves.   For the most part, I ignored the sounds of the seagulls, but the gnats and sand fleas were annoying.  The book I was reading was neither clever nor well written.  The story itself never grabbed me, and I considered just giving it up for the day and heading back home.  That’s when I noticed this woman, not at all in beach attire, making her way toward me.  As she got closer, I saw she was wearing clothes more appropriate for a business office than the oceanfront.

“Excuse me” she said, standing next to me.  “My name is Turner.  Page Turner.”

“Finally!” I said excitedly and tossed my paperback into the grass.




 

 

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