@touchstonedreams started from here:
“ Oh! It’s a moonshell! “
Joni scooted away from Arthur for a second to lean down and pick up the shell. She went to the water’s edge and rinsed off the sand and came back opening up her hand to show him. “ It’s not even cracked either, it looks like a pearl. “
The waves receded, roiled and crashed on their left. In the distance a purplish streak of lightning glimmered faintly on the dark cloudy horizon. It being the off season, the beach was all but deserted at this time of the night and the wind was a little bitter but not unbearable.
Joni rubbed her eyes. They had dark circles underneath them and for good reason. “ Thanks for coming and walking with me, Arthur, “ she mumbled, rubbing her arm. “ I really appreciate it. Finals week is killing me. I knew if I didn’t get away from campus for a few hours I’d go crazy. “
Her face softened as she looked out across the ocean. “ There’s just something…” She looked as though she was about to say something thoughtful and then she looked over at Arthur, smiled nervously and said “ Heh, no-no never mind! ”
Arthur meandered on the beach with Joni- she’d been running on fumes for a while, and while she’d insisted on working, he’d managed to convince her that she needed a break for the night. At least for a few hours. And when she’d agreed, he’d whisked her into the van, and drove her out to a fairly small town on the coast, one small enough not to be touristy so much.
He watched her collect the shell, smiling and inspecting it as she brought it up to him. “Wow. That’s pretty cool.” He took the shell from her, slipping it into a messenger bag on his side, after checking it wasn’t occupied. He glanced at the sky as the lightning flashed, but whatever storm chopped at the grey-green waves and sent a cold breeze brushing past them was miles off the shore- if it started getting closer, they could head back to the van. Otherwise they could enjoy the quiet night.
Well- relatively quiet. There was a bonfire some distance down the beach (maybe other college students that had finished finals earlier?) and the sound of music wafted in the air with hoots and hollers. Black forms, people silhouetted by the flames of the fire, were dancing about in a ring caged by logs and rocks and seats where others sat and watched. But it was further down the beach, and he wasn’t particularly feeling the inclination to investigate.
He glanced at her curiously as she started speaking, before reaching up to squeeze her shoulder. “It’s not silly if that’s what’s holding you back.” He offered. “I’d like to hear. You’re here to relax- say whatever you’d like. I won’t judge.” He smiled at her with the hope of encouraging her as they continued walking the beach.