I woke up to the sound of the waves crashing. I sat up in my bed and tiptoed over to the balcony. I looked out at the view. The ocean is so beautiful. The water is so clear that I can see the gorgeous coral reefs from here. The sun shines on the surface of the water. I get dressed into a swimsuit, floral dress and sandals, eat some breakfast, brush my teeth and head out. 

I walk down the sandy path that leads into the forest. I remember these pathways so well. The same ones I used to run down, giggling with my friends. The same ones I used to walk to school down. The same ones I had my first kiss. I think this is why the island is so special to me- because it is full of all of my memories. I continue through the forest. The plants create walls of greens and browns, and I can hear some sort of insect buzzing in the undergrowth. After about 20 minutes of walking, I reach the waterfall.

The toraille waterfall. I used to come here all the time with my older brother, Dwayne. We used to play in the water and splash about, doing flips and tricks. Since it's winter, the waterfall is lined with tourists and newcomers, swimming or dipping their toes in the water. I'll come back later, when it's less busy. I enter the forest again, now going down the path that leads to the beach. I walk for another 15 minutes or so, down a rocky path, until I get to Malgretoute beach. It is not a busy place, although it is very beautiful. I guess no one really wants to take the hike to get here. There is only one other person on the beach- A tall, black man with tight curls and light brown eyes. I set down my towel and lay on it.