The One With The Bunnies

It wasn’t daytime, but it wasn’t quite night either. A hazy blonde sky, a sea-salty draft—I was twelve, maybe.

At the height of summer, a trip to the beach; it was Jericho Beach, the one with the bunnies. The bunnies, I’m not sure how they got there. I doubt they do either.

I was with a friend—Nora. Nora wasn’t twelve, but thirteen.

The pale sand, warmed by the waning sun, burrowed within each crease of our feet. Riven seashells pinched at my heels—I complained, teasingly: they’re out to get me. Nora agreed, shaking her head, familiar with my antics—familiar with me.

We found a space, one not yet kissed by the waves, and laid down a towel. We read for a time, the pages prey to the sun's Midas Touch. A guitar sung, from a faraway place, the notes fine and wispy.

Nora's parasol—a large, ugly thing—fled with the wind, too many times. She scoffed each time, without fail, sulking as she rose. I watched her, amused; she’d flail, struggling to contain the unruly umbrella.

I had never favoured the ocean, with its touchy waters and covert creatures, but it looked different that evening: charming, dreamy. I told Nora as such—once she’d returned from battle. Of course, she glowered: perfect, go drown. I grinned. I loved her.

I hadn’t brought a swimsuit. I never liked them; they pulled taut across my skin—bordered terrain I wished to keep uncharted. I did, however, want to swim that evening, in the murky waters of Jericho Beach. So, I did.

My clothes drenched and heavy—my hair, ratty and sharp. It was quiet, so quiet. I stood, for a time, motionless and free, eyes upon the horizon. Up to my waist, the water burrowed deep: warm and salty and quiet—so quiet.

I think that water is still inside me, somewhere sunken and sure.

And I still visit that beach, but Nora isn’t there. She hasn’t been anywhere in a while. The sand is still warm, the air, still salty. The wind sings, and I still listen. It’s not quiet anymore, but I think that’s okay.

I still see the bunnies: fluffy and eager.

And I’m still not sure how they got there.