The Perfect Moment

• Saira Nakov, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2018

It's calm on Brookesdale beach today. The waves aren't crashing against the boulders along the water’s edge, just fading into small waves as they reach the shore. There's a refreshing breeze blowing through my long wavy hair and the aroma of the salt is in the air. So is the smell of fresh, golden, hot chips.
I like surfing, it's my only way to escape reality. I've been surfing for a year now. This is one of those days where I can just enjoy the mesmerizing view from my board, and surf waves bigger than a bus.
My legs dangle in the water as my arms paddle me toward some boats about 300 metres away from the beach. I stop for a moment and smile at the view. There are some pretty good waves today, though not many surfers riding them. I take a swift look behind me and can see a wave forming and coming right my way. I lay flat as a log and paddle like mad until I feel it's tug behind me, I jump up suddenly, and here comes the wave. Happiness fills me as the wave turns into a tunnel and I head towards it. The tunnel is narrow, but big enough for me to get into. It looks like a clear blue waterfall wrapped around me. As I come the end of the wave I do a few flips and sharp turns before stopping to rest.
These are the days that I absolutely love. When I can just stop and look at the beauties of life. Most days I sit at a picnic bench with a cup of hot chips and enjoy the sunset, before I head home. The eye catching view of the sunset just makes you think 'wow'. The purple, red, yellow and orange blend together amazingly. It’s a spectacular sight.
It's almost 7pm and already I've been here for 4 hours. I grab my bag, tie my hair in a bun and start walking home. The sky turns from a light rosy pink to a navy blue within seconds. Stars fill the sky, guiding my way as I walk along the empty path, headed for home.
Twenty-two, twenty-four, ah twenty-six, my house. A sigh of relief escapes my mouth and I reach the front door. I unlock the door and with a slight nudge of my hip it opens and I walk in. I still have this warm feeling flowing through me, like i'm still in the water, on my board. I walk upstairs to my room, not uttering a word to anyone. I plonk myself on my comfortable bed. I imagine it’s the ocean and I am there, with not a care or worry in my mind. I wish that I could stay in this place forever. My eyes get tired and as they close my perfect moment slowly fades away. I drift to sleep, knowing that tomorrow is a new day with more adventures.