I grew up with the sound of waves crashing onto the golden sand beach, seashells hidden in little treasure chests as if they were precious diamonds. Where I grew up, I had everything I had dreamt and wished for, so why is it I cannot get what I want now? That pretty seashell resting on the golden grain field, glittering underneath the brilliantly lit blue sky, so fragile and fleeting.

I reach my hand out towards it, hoping to add it to my collection. Delicately lifting it up, I admire its beauty and elegance. Plop. It slips from my hand and falls back onto the sand. Laughing at its mischief, I stretch my hand to pick it up again. Too slow, a wave washes it away from me. I patiently smile, knowing it can never run from me.

One step. Two steps. Three steps. Another. Why are you running from me? Surely this is not your fault, for it is just the sea’s meddling. Running, chasing, finally! I clutch onto it tightly, holding it close to my heart. I smirk triumphantly at the sea as if I had claimed back what it had stolen from me. Looking down to admire it closer-

Gone. As if it were the little mermaid’s tale, vanishing into thin air like mist. Why? Where? How? A thousand questions race through my mind. My heart beats furiously as a surge of panic and anger rushes through my body.

Tears, tears falling. Why? I do not know. It's just another shell, why am I like this? Are not all seashells empty? Is that not the reason why people can take them? Why am I like this just because of a lifeless shell? HAHAHAHAHA! I HAVE JUST GONE MAD, HAVE I NOT? YET WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH? WHY?WHY?WHY?

It has only been days, yet why don’t you shine the same way? Everything is provided in this paradise, nothing you could ever lack. Though the sun seems rather dim today...Can you not see that we’re just hollow shells? Empty inside with no true worth. Just like how a seashell can never be sold for more than a dime, we will always be seen as dirt.

Something from inside pokes outside, a yellowish-white being reaching out; it was soft and gentle, too fragile to touch. Ah, I thought. At that time I knew, this was no empty shell, but a life the sea grew. It was time to put you back where you truly belong as my world begins to grow darker and darker.

I grew up in a paradise, sun shining with the sky all blue, but it was just like an oasis, which disappeared just as soon. The seashell I love still appears, brighter than ever, beautiful as can be, but as fast as it appears, it is once again swept away by the sea’s waves. Further and further away from me, and eventually back into the deep endless ocean’s underneath.

So far yet so near, love always is. However, to me, true love is to make the person you love the one you will miss. To let them go is the hardest challenge, but to see them smile will be the greatest triumph. So should a loved one love you so, you should let them have the love they deserve.

I turn back to walk away but something bumps into my foot. A look down, only to see a seashell. I kick it away stubbornly. The waves rush in, wetting my bare feet. Why are you back? I stare at the shell which I had kicked and now lying on my feet. It’s beautiful but so cold, empty, and fragile. Why does it look so familiar...