Beside the Sea

A gentle wave washes across the shore, as a mound of sand, half a mile away, is disturbed from below. Small and shifting from the nest, the baby turtles begin to emerge, embraced by the light of the sun. Slowly a small few begin to leave the nest and go forth towards the treacherous journey ahead towards the calming water. Stumbling over broken eggshells, one by one, the turtles embark. Across the sandy beach, rocks, and seashells alike, the turtles keep their eyes open for any pending danger from above. A few drift apart from the group embarking on their own journey towards the beach. Unaware of the direction they have taken, a group of feasting seagulls await their approach. The rest of the hatchlings continue in their tight group holding steadfast towards the embracing ocean before them. The water waiting to splash a refreshing welcome across the shells of the many or few fated to reach the ocean. As the turtles begin to reach the water, a feeling of relief as they approach, washes over the hatchlings. A few hungry seagulls may have taken what seemed like a handful but as the little hatchlings dive into the water's welcome, they have realized only thirty of the one hundred have made it home. The start of a new journey begins for the hatchlings as they begin to embrace the water.