Part Two (Finale!): Karate Chopping Waves at the Beach
New Story Whale bedtime story!
It’s time for a wrap on George and Ben’s little beach trip expedition!
It’s been a fun little story to write and it’s also been a good chance to revisit some nice beach trip nostalgia from the days of old.
If you missed it, here’s a link for you to the first part:
Who doesn’t love a beach trip anyway?
In any case, here’s hoping life is treating you well wherever you are!
Please enjoy today’s little read.
Oh, and have a fantastic weekend!
George hopped out of the car and was instantly agitated by the hot summer sun lashing down at him from above.
"This way," said George's mum.
George, his parents and Ben left the carpark and began the short journey along a dirt path through some trees. Gradually the dirt of the path turned to sand.
"Can you hear the waves?" asked Ben with a big grin.
George was confused by his cousin's excitement. You would have thought they were on their way to a theme park.
The trees around them suddenly fell away and there was nothing but sandy dunes. They climbed the dunes and suddenly there was the ocean right before them, stretching out in either direction, like giant arms reaching out for a great big hug. Even George felt struck by it. It was a sudden powerful reminder of just how lovely the world can be.
Ben sprung into action. He bolted across the beach, the sand squeaking underfoot.
George was torn.
His dad looked to him and nodded towards the water with a smile.
“Go on, give it a go.”
George took off at a jog for the water. Ahead of him, Ben was already stomping and charging into the water, sending up spray. Ben barged past waves and then, when it was deep enough, dove underwater like an agile seaside bird diving for a fish.
George leapt backwards the moment he finally reached the actual water and felt its coldness on his skin.
“Just go for it!” Ben called out. “You will get used to it! I promise.”
George took a second to ready himself…
After a final breath of preparation, he charged forwards into the water, stomping with high knees, trying his best to shut out the coldness from his mind. He reached the deeper water where Ben was waiting and dove in properly.
When George popped back up, he shook his head like a dog drying off after a bath.
"I'm still freezing!" said George.
"Don't think about it," said Ben, and then splashed George with a big spray of water.
Just like that the splash fight was off and going and the two boys were chasing each other around and casting splashes as if they were spells. Ben was a master of the splashing craft and led the way. Sometimes throwing short sharp splashes that darted through the air, sometimes sweeping his arm through the water for a slower tidal wave style soaking.
They carried on the duel until George and Ben were both heaving to catch their breaths, partly due to exhaustion, partly due to hysterical laughter.
Eventually then, the water went quiet and they settled down.
The beach hummed its usual hum, peaceful and rhythmic.
Ben was looking out at the horizon, bobbing up and down with the waves as they passed him by.
"What now?" asked George.
"Sometimes I like to just relax and enjoy the water," said Ben.
It took a little while for George to get used to it, this idea of just doing nothing and relaxing. Soon enough, he eased into a feeling of deep peace.
For several minutes they just hung out there in the water in silence. Ben had been right about the coldness. George was used to it now. It was nice. Along with the warm sun from above, it felt like bliss out there.
Eventually, it was time for their next seaside game. Ben knew exactly which one to pick.
They moved to the shallower water where the waves were crashing.
"This one is simple," said Ben. "We've got to battle the ocean!"
George was baffled. "Excuse me?"
"The first thing you need to do is pick your enemy," said Ben. "You need to decide who you're going to be battling against."
"Who are you picking?" asked George.
Ben thought it over for a moment.
"Orcs," he decided. "I'm going to battle an army of orcs."
The next wave came and Ben leapt into it elbow first!
He popped straight back up and shook himself off.
"So who are you up against?" he asked George.
George thought it over.
"Ninjas," he announced. "I'm going to take on an army of ninjas!"
The next wave arrived and George struck a mighty karate chop through the frothy white water.
The battle had begun!
The two boys went on to fight the waves until their fingers went pruny and all of the orcs and ninjas had finally been dealt with.