I gaze out at the crystal blue waters, my feet tucking into the soft sand squishing it beneath my toes. A wave came up to the coast that wet my feet sending a chill through my body. I squirmed up to higher ground just as another wave crashed into the sand. "Hi!" I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned around to see a girl my age. She was wearing a blue and white striped tunic, cat ears, and blue leggings. "Hey Ashley," I laughed beckoning her over. She jumped next to me and grinned, handing me an ice cream cone. I grabbed it and stuck my face into the delicious cold sugar-milk. She pointed out towards the ocean and murmured, "isn't it wonderful!" I nodded, my eyes passing through the golden sand to the bright blue sky meeting the sea. "Soooo, Rileigh how is your family been?" Ashley asked breaking the silence. I grimaced, "My dad is still on his business trip and my mom isn't in the best shape-" I said nervously. Ashley covered her mouth and nodded solemnly. "One day I will get out there too." I sighed staring at the water almost expecting my dad's boat to come out from the foaming sea. No such luck. I got up silently and offered my hand to Ashley who took it and stood up. Living almost alone and taking care of my mom had taught me something. That out in the big world, you can't always rely on your friends and fans. It will all come crashing down on you. I felt a cold drop of water run down my face and looked up to see the perfect day turned dark. A storm was coming. I held a weak smile and Ashley and I walked silently to our cars.