Source: Pixabay
"Look," I said. "The sunset is so incredible."
Grandpa looked out to sea. We stood side by side on the verandah of the beach house my family had rented for a week in high summer.
Several quiet moments passed. I was only thirteen at the time, but I had learned that if one could be patient, and listen, Grandpa had things to say.
We watched quietly as the sun dipped down toward the sea and the heavenly pink rays shone in columns of light, illuminating the ocean which was the color of pink lemonade.
"Well," he said at last, "I’ve seen about 32,000 sunsets in my lifetime, and I can confidently say this is the second best one."
I raised my eyebrows and looked at him, even though taking my eyes away from the sea meant I might miss the last moment of the sun and the elusive green flash we had been looking for each evening at sunset. I hadn't ever met anyone who had seen the flash, but it was legendary.
The sun’s glow illuminated Grandpa's face, and I thought about what a wise old owl he was, and how much I loved his wisdom and humor.
"So… I have to know. What sunset was the best?"
He smiled and nodded toward the sea and I returned my gaze to the last pink fingernail of sun.
"It was the night you were born," he said. "You were late by a week and we were all emotionally exhausted. Your mother could barely eat or sleep. But that day you arrived to much jubilation. And when the sun set on that day, signifying that our long wait was over, it shone golden yellow through great towering thunderheads, and every window reflecting its light shimmered like gold. I knew then what a treasure you would be to me."
I put my arm around him, resting my head against his shoulder, as the sun slipped into the sea. Perhaps I wouldn’t have much more time with Grandpa, for he was aging and frail, but I would hold this moment within me forever.
“You are my treasure too, Grandpa," I said.
And that’s when we saw the green flash.
Thank you for reading! I have not participated in a freewrite prompt in far too long. I read the "wise old owl" daily prompt in my car this morning while finishing my coffee, and proceeded to write this story in 5-ish minutes in a Costco parking lot. I guess we never know when we’ll be inspired!
Photo credits: All of the photos in this post were taken by me with my iphone and belong to me, unless otherwise noted.
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Wes & Grindan
