61. Ocean (2)

"Why don't we take our shoes and socks off and wade in the shallows?"

Azazel grinned like a fool when I accepted his offer right away. I stepped into the water as soon as I was barefoot, much like Azazel, who did it cheerfully.

(It's... refreshing and cool.)

Azazel stood on the beach, his trousers rolled up slightly, tentatively approaching the sea.

"Oh! Isn't this a breath of fresh air, Verena?!"

"Yes it is."

With my toes drenched, I gave a startled jerk as the tide rolled out, pulling the sand with it and touching my flesh.

 My eyes widened in amazement as I looked down at the departing wave as Azazel chuckled while he examined my actions.

The two of us then took a stroll along the sand, taking in the sensation of the waves tickling our feet and the sand squishing between our toes.

"Oh.. it's a shell."

It was cracked as I picked it up from the sand.

"What a shame, it's not perfect."

My eyes na