I swim farther and farther. I had never been this far away from the shore. All of the families on the beach seemed so small and distant. My small thin legs work their way to keep me afloat. I feel so grown up swimming this deep. All of my friends are closer to the shore, floating on their boogie boards and their large tubes. 

My thoughts are interrupted by a semi-large wave sending my body back a bit. I gasp. A little bit of salty ocean water gets into my mouth. Not knowing what else to do, I swallow it. Not wanting to go back to my friends, I continue my swimming adventure. 

Deeper and deeper I go. Colder and colder it gets.

My legs and arms start to shake as I near a buoy marking the end of where I can swim. I have never used them this much. I shiver as a small wave rushes through me. Treading water, I look at the beach and all of the people on it again. My friends had gone back to the shore to dry off. I decide it’s time to head back. It’s kind of lonely all the way out here by yourself. No one to play mermaids with or have a battle over donut tubes. I swim back. 

    I feel the water get warmer and warmer as the sand gets closer and closer to my feet. My legs and feet felt all wobbly and tingly when they reached the ocean sand. It felt as if I hadn’t walked in ages. The water gives way and lets my body get out and stand on the warm, sundrenched sand.