encounter part 2

_Wait._ My neck turns my head, the wind still twirling my hair around its fingers. His mouth opens, ready to speak again. We both hear a rhythmic swishing sound from the other end of the boardwalk. _Hey, Pete! Come on, we’re leaving._ The swishing is coming from a boy’s board shorts, as his legs walk with purpose. Pete turns towards me, then back towards the boy. His hand waves, as his feet carry him towards the boy. _Bye._ Our voices murmur to each other at the same moment. We smile, and turn away. My feet scamper back home, stinging against the hot asphalt.