The beach was empty.

Gone was the hustle and bustle of the summer season. Barbeques, music, children playing. Laughter of little ones was now replaced by the cry of seagulls searching for any remaining scraps of food left behind by departed visitors.

A strong wind tossed my hair in every direction, playing with the strands like a cat with yarn. Cold sand threatened to make a new home in my boots as I chased my canine companion along the shore.

Though the beach was empty, my heart was full.