Golden, curly locks bounce as a young girl triple checks her sandcastle tools in the satchel. Little legs commence their journey to the shore. As her grandma takes her hand, the girl begins a monologue about the superior sandcastle she will construct. 

The girl tells her grandma about the tremendous tressels of sand that decorate her dream castle. The perfectly planned layout of her castle, dreamt of at night, has seven bedrooms, a grand kitchen, and never forgotten, a bouncy house. As the girl lays her castle out, her grandma can’t help but grow a great grin across her face. Her granddaughter has one unique sense of creativity and most importantly, ambition. 

As the duo make their way to the shore, they take note of the birds circling overhead, patiently waiting for a beachgoer to drop a crumb in the sand. The grandma reminds the girl to not drop any crumbs. Birds are unfavorable company when you’re relaxing on the beach. 

The small waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash softly onto the sand. Salty water flows into nicks and cuts, typical of a toddler, making the girl yip in pain; but it is only temporary. 

Every time the two venture to the beach, the highlight of their journey is splashing and dancing in the ocean. The girl loves it, finding pleasure in watching the water droplets move through the air. The grandma loves it, amused by the little one’s fascination and ability to be free. Not one worry in the world. 

The beach will always be the place of golden, curly locks, grand citadels made of sand, and scavenging seagulls. For a little girl and her grandmother, it will always be the place of  “When can we go back?”