Sand Castle

I am not a sea person. So every time someone planned a vacation to the seaside, I sulked. My memories of the place were back when I was 5, with a twig in one hand and a plastic mug in another, trying in vain to make a sand castle, and getting impatient. After several tries, when the castle finally stood and I smiled in glee at the appreciation from the adults around, a big wave washed it away. I had cried while my family had a hearty laugh at my attachment to small things. I had imagined that castle to be like the one I dreamt of when I read fairytales. After two decades, I was standing at the same spot, like nothing had changed. I was still attached to small things. Cried over losing them as much as I did for people. And there I saw a little girl in my spot. She was making a castle, and the wave suddenly washed it away. She didn't cry. Instead, she picked up the spade and bucket and walked a little further away, where the waves were yet to reach. She started making a new one with equal enthusiasm. I smiled in realisation. Sometimes, some things are meant to go. So that new beginnings fill their places. People, places, memories, dreams, hopes, aspirations, all that is lost are for a reason. So that new ones fill in their places and help you grow. That sand castle was like a broken dream. It was of no use crying over what was broken. It wouldn't come back. But there is always hope in the heart. And that's how we always find our new dreams.

© Suranya