A Battered surfboard hung in the corner of her room. Untouched for months, it was finally the day to move it, to say goodbye.  The girl was wet and suited up. Ready for her last ride.  It was a short car journey to the beach. The girl anxiously looked out the window as they got closer to the destination. 

 Others in the car started talking the girl heard nothing. The others couldn’t see her; she seemed alone in the back, attached to the board. Car doors slammed shut as the people started to gather their boards and wetsuits. The beach was busy and full of people walking with purpose towards the water. 

 The girl stood silently, the board was on the floor next to her. Someone picked up the board and followed the crowd; the girl moved closely behind. Then, they all started weeding out into the water. The girl quickly pulled herself up onto the board as it was moved forward away from the beach. 

 With each passing wave, the pull became lighter. The girl looked at the large crowd surrounding her. They all paddled forward further and further away from the beach. Still, no one noticed her patiently moving with them. Eventually, everyone came to a stop, and the head of the group said a few words and spread the ashes in the sea. 

 The girl closed her eyes and sighed. She looked around and felt at peace. Then the girl slid off the surfboard and sank into the water.  The group turned in motion back towards the beach without the girl. With each stroke growing closer to their vehicles, the girl started to fade as she watched their figures grow smaller. 

 Loading up their equipment, the crowd dispersed off the beach and drove away from the water. They weren’t saying goodbye to the board; they were saying goodbye to the girl they once knew. The girl was gone. Her spirit is at peace. It was her last ride. 

This was written by our contributing writer, Shanai Besst.