by Burkey, Dana
“You’re on shed,” Baylee announced as she came into the station, clearly having just left her post there.
“Perfect,” I nodded, popping the last bite of my bar into my mouth as I walked towards the door.
“Oh, and Natalie?” She paused until I turned to look at her. “He’s here.”
With just those two words I could feel my heartbeat picking up. I tried to keep my excitement from showing too much, but as Baylee laughed behind me, I knew it must have shown on my face. Not wanting to make it overly obvious I slipped on my sunglasses and walked out into the sun and towards the boat shed. My eyes automatically scanned the crowds of people on the beach, but I was walking too quickly to get a good look. Reaching the shed, I quickly took stock of the gear that was checked out, the gear still on hand, and then also took a second to read over the first aid log. It looked like Andrew gave out a Band-Aid for a blister caused by the kayak paddles, and then Baylee gave out an ice pack to two kids who bumped heads while playing tag in the shallow water.
After reading the list, taking a long drink of water, and pausing to take in a long calming breath of air, I turned to face the water once again. There were only two boats out in the water and just a handful of kids racing around to the right side of the chair where Zander sat guarding. My eyes took this in while scanning everyone over and over. I looked instantly to where Michael and his friends usually sat but instead saw a family that generally only made it to the beach when it was cloudy and less populated. Scanning further down the beach, I saw where Amber and her friends were sitting, making it clear that I would not see Michael near that spot of the beach either. Looking all the way down the beach past the Snack Shack that was just opening up, I didn’t spot him at all. So, with a heavy sigh, I turned to look back at the beach in front of me. And boy, was I shocked at who was standing right in front of me.