AT THE WATER SIDE

With the heavy breeze blowing across his face, he walked along the sandy shore, barefooted with his eyes fixed on the water where he could see several boats and fishermen mending their nets.

"Baby J, we are here," he said as he kissed the baby's cheek and dropped him on the sand.

He chuckled as he watched Junior play excitedly on the sand while making squeaky sounds followed by giggles.

He heaved a sigh and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his blue vintage short sleeve shirt as he sat on the sand, staring into the water.

"Come over here, J," he called as he pulled the baby to himself and made him sit in between his legs.

They both stayed that way, staring into the water as people walked past them.

"I've always believed that one day, the water will bring your mommy back to me," he said with a chuckle.

"I still have that hope. Alex will come back to me," he said as his eyes began to well up with tears.

**

Settled in a boat far at a distance from the shore where he sat, she re