At the lake

Bazua Lake was surrounded by trees and shrubs being covered by hills, but just like Ibrahim said, there was a sandy shoreline. It was as close as it could be to going to a beach.

"It looks so beautiful," comments Ari as she stands at the edge of the shore. Even at the hour of dusk, the sand was still warm that it felt nice to step on with her bare feet, "I could only see these in pictures, but the real thing is so wonderful."

"You never been to the beach?"

"That's right. My family was too poor to go anywhere so this is my first time being here. My father once said that he would take me someday, but that day would never come." Ari looked at the water reflecting the barely visible sun as it hid away in the hills. It was such a gorgeous, picturesque scene that it nearly brought a tear to her eyes, but she stood strong and decided not to let her emotions get to her.

"I see," said Ibrahim, "you had parents?"