Dear stranger,

It’s a beautifully clear day in Monterey with no clouds, but enough wind to make it quite chilly. You are sitting on a bench on the balcony, overlooking the tide pools at the back of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with your shoulders hunched and shivering a little. Your long brown hair is tied back into a practical-looking ponytail and you sit alone, gazing at the ocean with a look of wistfulness. It’s still considered morning, so you cradle a paper cup of coffee in your hands.

As you sit, stranger, the environment around you is vibrant with life. Flocks of birds circle overhead and children laugh and scream as they race around. However, your eyes are fixed on the steady beat of the ocean waves.

You look at peace, stranger, but a little sad nonetheless. Despite the wind, you don’t stir from your spot. A little girl with light curly hair and a bright pink jacket runs circles around you. You glance at her distractedly, then go back to looking at the ocean. You seem to almost become part of the landscape, blending into the view.

What are you looking for, stranger? Perhaps the hypnotic rhythm of the ocean has enchanted you. Even the strident calls of seagulls fail to affect your attention. It looks like you’re looking for some consistency, a steadiness found in the predictable rise and fall of waves. Maybe your life is caught in turmoil, and this peaceful moment allows to to revive yourself — to breathe in the salty air and enjoy the vastness of the horizon line.

But of course, stranger, these moments never last for long. You jolt suddenly in response to your cell phone chiming, and reach into your bag and dig around. Putting aside your coffee that is probably cold now, you check your phone. You seem to sigh deeply before putting it back. Though you take the paper cup back into your hands and resume your vigil of the waves, the absolute peace is gone.

Looking back to the sea again, your eyes are no longer so intently focused. The small moment of respite you’ve found has been shattered, stranger. But don’t worry. I’m sure you will find another soon.

Best wishes,
Amelia