I'm laying on the warm white sand of Venice Beach feeling the sun lightly brush my body and face and I imagine no greater happiness than the happiness I feel right at this moment. Eyes closed, I listen to the waves crash against the shore washing away the night time cries that linger in my head. The other children are playing in the white water but not me; I'm content to listen. I love it here. There's a natural music in the air and I feel the ocean mist against the bottom of my feet. These are the moments when life is real, when I'm real and feeling clean and alive. These precious moments make me feel part of something bigger and better than I can ever be. I roll over and bury my toes in the warm sand, snuggling deep into my towel and enjoying the rays caressing my back . The sun touches little girl skin often bruised, disguising the faint purple that remains. We've been here for hours, but, oh god, please, don't let us have to go back! Let them forget I'm here. I want to revel in the clean air and the cool cool water! Let me forget any world other than this one that exists for me right here, right now. I lay contented until I hear heavy breathing over me and raise my head slowly looking into angry blue eyes glassy once again. I smell the faint stench of whiskey from his breath as he snarls “get your ****, we're going.” As I awkwardly get up and dust the sand off my knees, I am stunned with the realization that the sun ... is no longer shining.

Very vivid.

Thank you for sharing this.

Powerful writing that tells us how quickly a beautiful moment can change into something painful.

You're welcome...thank YOU for reading it...

Thank you pkd...yes its amazing how life can change in one nano second!

Life changes in a breath!

You have a wonderful way of expression MsW. I don't always comment ... but I always read!

I hear that! I dont always comment either but yes I read too...and thank you for reading and commenting on THIS piece!