This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book... “Hands that Hurt” Down in the Dirt, v145 (the May 2017 Issue) You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:

Order this writing in the issue book Random Thoughts the Down in the Dirt July-Dec. 2016 collection book		get the 418 page May-August 2017 Down in the Dirt issue anthology 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

The Stranger by the Sea

Kristyl Gravina

She was walking a few blocks away from home. But something was different; all the buildings seemed to be the same and she realised she was lost. She kept on walking for what seemed to be hours and realised she had been walking in circles all along. She felt uneasy, as if she was being watched although when she looked around her she could see no one. It was odd but she had not encountered anyone so far. Finally, she saw a familiar street and was just about to turn to go back home when she realised that the sea was close by where was and she could smell the salty air. The temptation to sit for a while quietly by the seaside was too strong, so instead she took the road leading towards the rocky beach. It was relaxing watching the waves hit the rocks and hearing nothing but their sound. She thought she saw a shadow and turned around quickly but once again she saw no one. The closer she went to the rocks the more she felt she was being watched. She glanced around uneasily but she was alone. It seemed to be growing dark fast; strange she thought. Yet the sun had still been high a while ago. There was a crack in the rocks and what seemed to be a passage. She had never seen it before. She felt an urge to go on, to explore but at the same time her mind told her to be wary. It was then when he appeared; tall, lean and dark. She had no time to see his face because he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the passage into the rocks. Her heart beat fast, partly with fear but also with excitement. God knows what this stranger was going to do to her! And yet a part of her seemed to trust him, and she kept following him, his hand holding her wrist. After leading her into what seemed a rocky maze, they came a small sandy beach enclosed by rocks facing a cave. She took off her sandals as it was difficult to walk with them on the sand. By now it was pitch dark except for the moonlight. She followed him inside the cave in which there was some sort of light. Suddenly her eyelids seemed heavy and she couldn’t keep her eyes open. The stranger turned just as her eyes closed and yet again she didn’t get to see his face.
She awoke to the beep of her alarm clock. Immediately, she remembered the strange dream she had just had. It had felt so real; she could still feel her heart beating fast and smell the salty air. Stifling a yawn, she got out of bed. As soon as her feet touched the ground she felt something on her feet and looked down to see what it was. She wiped her feet only to realise they were covered in sand.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...