Chapter 9 Life Changing

• To our left, a group of surfers rode the waves, their shouts of excitement rolling in with the breeze. One of them got wiped out spectacularly, sending his board flying as he tumbled into the surf, and I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. I nudged Mr. Thorne with my elbow, pointing out the scene and he nodded in acknowledgement.
• Nearby, a bunch of kids were knee-deep in a massive sandcastle project, meticulously digging moats and sticking seashells on the towers. One little girl waved a stick like it was a magic wand, crowning herself the queen of their sandy kingdom. Their parents were lounging under a huge rainbow-colored umbrella, laughing, sipping cocktails, and watching the action.
• Then there was the volleyball court, where a game was in full swing. The players were jumping, diving, and high-fiving with big grins, clearly having the time of their lives. Further down, a few paddleboarders glided across the calm waves, moving in this steady, rhythmic way that almost looked meditative. And of course, scattered all around us, were the sun-worshippers—people sprawled out on their beach towels, eyes closed, baking in the sun like they were on a mission to absorb every single ray.