The waves crash loudly as they hit the rocks. The night air is cool, refreshing with a slight taste of salt. Above the beach a young woman stands, almost perfectly still, gazing down at the constantly moving water. Every now and then a mist of salt water caresses her skin delicately, tiny droplets catching in her hair and eyelashes.
That woman is me.
The sound of the ocean is soothing, leaving me feeling almost at peace. Whole, something I have not been for quite some time. While I remain here I can forget, allow myself to imagine. Escape to a place where my bones no longer ache like that of an old woman. My face remembers how to smile and my heart sings for no reason. I am complete, perfect in my imperfections.
Alas this place is temporary as I trudge back to the car. The peace, quickly fading, flees at the close of the car door and all that is left is emptiness. An ache that begins nowhere in particular and quickly spreads. Once again I become an old woman. My bones ache, my smile fades and my soul weeps. Emptiness permeates my entire being and once again I am in pieces, disjointed. Together, but falling apart.
