Penelope – I hadn’t intended to walk the length of the beach. The weather suggested only a short excursion, but once one has begun, it feels defeatist to turn back too soon. So I trudged on until the pebbles made hard work of my energies

I saw him before he saw me. Sitting on the low wall just beyond the slipway, in the very place I usually stop. Not because it is the best view, but because it allows one to pause without explanation. His hat was beside him this time, as though he had decided to remain.

For a moment I considered walking past. Beaches are good places for passing. But it felt deliberate, so I slowed instead.

He looked up. There was the brief uncertainty — that moment where recognition asks permission. He stood, then sat again. I found this faintly irritating.

“You’re in my spot,” I said. It came out sharper than I had planned. It wasn’t strictly true. But it felt true.

He apologised with a slight nervous smile and moved at once, which deprived me of the opportunity to soften. I sat. He remained standing. The arrangement felt familiar.

We spoke of the sea. It was doing very little. He said this was its strength.

I did not agree. The sea, I thought, is at its best when it is busy. When it has something to say. But I did not tell him this. Some disagreements are better kept for later, or perhaps for no one at all. I merely muttered something unintelligible

When I left, I walked further than I had intended. It seemed important not to be seen turning back.

I do not like having my places taken. Still, it was not unpleasant to be reminded that they are not guaranteed. I felt rather pleased with myself and that conclusion. Rather like I am proving to the World that I am flexible. And I am. I think….