https://youtu.be/XocilE3UG0Q

(Listen to the video to better understand the chapter)

(I was in a bit of a reminiscent mood thanks to this video, so I decided to write something that's sort of poetic)

(Also reveals a bit about me)

*Crash* *Crash*

The sounds of waves could be heard hitting the sandy beach as I just stood on top of a small cliff near the waters.

"..."

I say nothing. Taking in the gentle breeze as the waves make contact with the land.

*Crash*

"So much has changed over the years..."

I say to myself as I'm the only one here on this particular rock.

'In the span of several decades that I have been alive, so much has changed yet so much still remains.

Staring at the beach of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, I take notice of people on the sandy beach.

Teens messing around, family enjoying themselves, people having fun.

"..."

Slowly, a small smile crawls its way to my mouth as I take in the sight.

"People love to stoke conflict and cause discomfort for their own amusement." I mused. "But there is no denying that the world isn't as bad and terrifying as people may think it is."

"There is beauty everywhere. You just gotta open your eyes to see them."

Heh.

*Rustle*

Deciding that I was getting tired of standing up, I sat down with my legs hanging over the edge. Just watching the sun rays illuminate the ocean waters. Giving them a golden glow.

"How long has it been since I've been at peace like this?"

I wonder to myself.

I certainly didn't really do myself any favors by stressing myself out constantly.

As I breathed in the ocean air. Memories that start flowing back into me.

Memories that I had long forgotten due to the passage of time and getting older.

Of times when my family and I would go to places.

Las Vegas.

It really sprung to life at night with all the lights and energy.

The carnivals and the circus.

I had forgotten how much fun they were.

Game booths, rides, the Ferris wheel.

"Heh..."

I softly said.

"Those were some of the best times of my life."

And I can't forget Great America.

Even though the amusement park had limited space to expand. it was still my number one park to go to. I had so many memories there.

No surprise since I did work there as a teen.

It could be hectic but it really was fun and I wouldn't trade those memories for the world.

Oh, and the funnel cakes. Those were always good.

Los Angeles. Even with its busy streets I've always felt a strange sense of peace there.

Probably because I was born in Glendale and grew up there for a short while.

Heh. 

Funny how you never seem to miss things until you live somewhere else.

Of course it wasn't just the city, I thought to myself. I still remember having fun at Disneyland, Legoland, and Universal Studios.

I can still remember when we went on days they did special celebrations.

Fireworks are awesome.

I remember having visited some national parks as well.

And having traveled to other states before.

So many places, and so many fond memories.

Of course, with time comes loss.

We all will lose people we care about. But are those we love really gone?

'Carry on and continue living.'

I said in my head as I felt the hard surface.

Rubbing my hand on the cliff, I could feel moss. Grass? 

Shaking my head, I said.

"Doesn't matter."

All that matter was this moment of peace.

Where I could feel a sense of tranquility as I noticed the Boardwalk starting to light up as it got dark.

"About time."

I said to myself.

After all, one of the reasons I came here today was to experience the night life at being at somewhere other than home or work again.

Smiling, I reached my hand upwards and made a grabbing motion.

Like I was trying to catch something, and I succeeded.

Heh.

If I was feeling silly enough, I would have danced a little bit.

But I did not feel like doing it where people could see me. I'm still not much of a social person.

Feeling the gentle breeze on my face, I got up and started heading down.

With just some final thoughts lingering in my head.

Life may have its ups and downs.

Life might be hard at times.

But ultimately, that's what makes living so beautiful and precious.

"Now."

I smiled.

"Time to have fun and enjoy myself."

I said as I walked into the Boardwalk and disappeared among the sea of people.

Done.

This actually went better than I had expected.