It’s a bright, blue, sunny day. The breeze is surfing through the air, as the waves crash upon the shore. Children are seen playing upon the oceanfront and tiny sand castles crumble to the ground from the pounding whitecaps. Before the children are discouraged from their castles collapsing, an ice cream truck appears driving down the beach and grasps the attention of all. Begging parents for the tasty treats, the children drool as the truck passes, slowly - tempting. The persuasive and unforgiving melody plays on repeat, embedding it in the brain. After the hypnotizing tune passes, children crowd the ocean and splash through the never-ending waves. Excitedly, they run, jump, swim, surf, snorkel, dive, and play through the water. Families do these activities without fear. Without fear of dangerous animals lurking through the waters. Without fear of drowning. Without fear of rip currents dragging them out into the depths of the unknown. Without fear of getting electrocuted in the water by lightening from a nearby storm. Without any fear at all, just hoping that everything will go as planned, an enjoyable beach day. Unexpectedly, life guards blow their whistle in every “dangerous” situation. They watch their section of the beach carefully and intensely, waiting. Waiting for the one moment when their needed, the one moment they can help. Beach towels, toys, sunscreen, sunglasses, and coolers occupy the sandy shores and inhabit the beach as if it’s their home. The supplies are spread out and conquer the “unlimited” beach space. Their infectious ways of clutter spread from family to family like a common cold. Common courtesy is lost through the rude habit of controlling the space on the beach. Radios blare multiple stations and genres of music creating an obnoxious clamor. Unsuccessfully, they merge together as one to create an ugly sound that can be heard by all beachgoers. When at the beach, every family has their own situations, conversations, activities, and memories. Although many people are congregated in one specific area, they are all very distant and unknown to one another. Usually, no one communicates with a stranger, they keep to themselves. Why is the human race like this? It’s hard to say. Although a beach day is filled with laughter, family, water, toys, and fun, I am one unique grain of sand, lost in the ocean, and drifting through the endless waves - free.