Dreams do come true

She took my hand tighter than I expected as we inched into the water.

As soon as the icy waves touched her toes, she shrieked and jumped out of"harm's way". I laughed in pleasure, seeing her squeam at something that seemed so simple to me.

"Lily, are you coming or what?"

"EDEN, IT'S COLD! HOW THE HELL CAN YOU STAND THERE?!" Her response made me laugh harder, almost doubling over but unable to due to still holding onto her hand.

"Lily," I gasped between laughs. "How have you never been in the ocean?"

"I've been in the ocean... in Hawaii..."

"That's artificial ocean. That water's always warm. THIS" I gestured to the waves, "is the ocean!" She looked past me to the neverending expanse of water. I saw her face shift from one of fake anger to actual concern. "Hey, Lilly." She looked back at me. "It's gonna be okay. I'm right here. I'm holding your hand, and I won't let you go." She nodded in acknowledgment, but I could still see her concern.

"Are you sure we won't get stung or stabbed by anything?"

"Lily, no. It's too cold and this beach isn't known for jellyfish. Or sharks." She sighed but squeezed my hand to signal she was ready.

She stepped back into the water and, while not screaming, she tried to hold her shrieks in her mouth(which were still very audible). I turned around so she couldn't see me stifling my laughter again. While the process was very, very, very slow, Lily and I worked our way through the water. Every wave trying to push us back to shore surprised Lily, but she was determined now. When we got to waist-deep water, I stopped.

"Woo-hoo!" Lily shouted, jumping for joy. "I did it, Eden! Look at me, I'm in the ocean!" She closed the distance between us and embraced me in a strong hug. I hugged her back, hiding my red face in her neck.

It's nice to help people's dreams come true, especially for those you love.

<3