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Willy rested his hand on the cold door knob of his home and shop. He twisted it, opening the door and the cool ocean breeze flew inside. He turned around to his counter and grabbed a bucket of bait and his fishing rod as he stepped outside. Fog covered the horizon, making it difficult to see even 10 feet ahead of you.
As he walked toward his normal fishing spot, he noticed a silhouette on the edge of the other dock. Wanting to investigate, he dropped his fishing supplies and walked over. As he got closer, it looked more and more like a human. Who would be out here at 5 A.M. besides another fisherman?
Once he got closer, he got his answer. Robin’s son sat with his feet dangling off the edge of the dock, wearing what look like pajamas with plaid sweatpants and a white t-shirt. His forearms were wrapped in what looked like gauze, and as he noticed the sound of boots on the wood, he snapped his head around to look.
Willy was the first to speak. “Aye son, what are you doing out here?”
Sebastian just continued to stare, before clearing his throat.
“I like looking at the waves. I normally only come during the rain, but yesterday was different.”
“You’ve been out here since yesterday in short sleeves? You must be frozen to the bone!”
“Eh, it’s worth it.”
He shrugged, and so Willy didn’t bother questioning it.
“Well, if you need a towel or pillow, I’ve got a few in me house. You can stay here as long as you’d like, lad.”
“Thanks.”
And with that, Willy walked back to his fishing spot. He could still see the outline of Sebastian, unmoving, almost like a statue. After a handful of great catches, Willy decided it was time for a hearty meal. As he went to go inside, his eyes lingered on the boy.
He decided it was best to at least offer to feed the boy. He walked over yet again, and this time Sebastian fully turned around, taking his legs off the edge.
“I’m going inside to have some food. You’re welcome to come in to warm up and have some.”
“Oh, I don’t want to bother you.”
“It’s not a bother, mate. I’m more than happy to give you something to eat.”
Sebastian hesitated, before standing up. His body was sore, so he stretched a bit before following Willy back to his home.
—
Sam awoke to the sound of ringing from the home phone. He looked at the digital clock on his nightstand, it was only 11:46. Although not that late, he knew his mother would be asleep right now. He reluctantly got out of bed and walked to the living room.
On the other end of the line was a concerned Robin.
“Hello? Is this Jodi?”
“Nah sorry, moms asleep. It’s Sam, can I help?”
“Hi Sam. Sorry if I woke you up. I was just calling to ask if anyone had seen Sebastian recently? I thought he’d just been in his room but I checked and nobody was there.”
“I don’t think i’ve seen him, but if you want I can look around town?”
“Oh Sam, you really don’t have to, but that would be a big help.”
And with that, he hung the phone up back on the wall and started for the door. Right as he went to unlock it, he heard tiny footsteps running up to him.
“Vince? What are you doing up bud?”
“Couldn’t sleep. Can I come with you?”
“You don’t even know where I’m going!”
“I don’t care! Can I come?”
Sam stared at his brothers large, pleading eyes. He didn’t have the heart to tell him no.
“Don’t tell mom.”
With that, Vincent started jumping up and down in celebration. Sam rustled his hand through the younger one’s hair.
“You’ve gotta put on a jacket though, or your fingers and toes will freeze off!”
Vincent reluctantly put the jacket on, and with that they started off towards the beach.
He didn’t exactly know why the beach was the first place he looked. For one, it would be easier to explain to Vince why he was out here without worrying him. And secondly, he had seen Sebastian out on the docks before. Sometimes, it worried him, seeing his best friend frozen still, staring into the abyss. Although he wanted to, he didn’t question it.
Luckily, Vincent was happy to go to the beach. Sam tried to keep them going at a faster pace, just in case something really had happened to Sebastian. He had seen what he does sometimes. It really concerned him, but he didn't know how to bring it up. He just doesn’t want to make it worse.
Eventually, they made it to the dock, and thank Yoba because Sebastian was just sitting there yet again. It looked like he was in his pajamas, but had shoes on and bandages wrapped around his arms.
“Sebastian?”
He whipped his head around at the sound of Vincent’s curious voice. He coughed a bit before speaking.
“Hey lil dude. Hey Sam. Why… what are you guys doing out here so late?”
“I couldn’t sleep and Sam was on the phone and then he started going outside so then I joined him and he took me here!”
“Oh. Nice.”
They stayed in a slightly awkward silence before Sam spoke up.
“Your mom called. Said you hadn’t been at home all day.”
“Oh shit.”
They fell back into that silence yet again. This time, Sebastian was the one to break it.
“Hey Vince, wanna go look at the tide pools?”
With that, Vincent started jumping up and down yet again. Sebastian stood up and started walking towards the edge of the dock. Vincent ran up ahead, leaving the two older boys behind.
“Seb, are you all good?”
“I guess. I’ve just been looking at the ocean. They help me calm down.”
“So how long have you been out in the cold?”
“I mean, I had food inside Willy’s house for like an hour. That warmed me up. Also, I don’t get cold.”
“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.”
Sebastian gave a slight laugh as they arrived at the tide pools. Vincent was already staring down with awe at the beautiful colors. Sebastian crouched next to him, while Sam stood up behind the two of them.
“You see that grey thing Vince?”
Vincent followed Sebastian’s pointed finger to look at the oddly shaped creature.
“What is it?”
“It’s an oyster, did you know they actually filter and clean the water they’re in?”
“Wow!”
Vincent stared at it for a few seconds before looking back at Sebastian.
“What happened to your arms?”
Sebastian looked down for a second before continuing.
“I’ll tell you when you’re older. Just know I did something stupid. Anyways, d’ya wanna see a sea urchin?”
Vincent nodded his head and watched as Sebastian carefully picked up the purple spiky creature.
“Can I hold it?”
Sebastian looked up at Sam for a split second before answering.
“I don’t wanna risk getting you hurt. Maybe in the future.”
Vincent pouted and crossed his arms.
“Why is everything for when I’m older? What can I do now?”
“Well… technically only 7 year olds can touch the coral, but if you keep it a secret I’ll let you.”
A huge grin sprung up on Vincent’s face as he nodded yes aggressively. Sebastian looked up at Sam, who was giving a shy smile to him. He smiled back.
Sebastian led the younger over to a different tide pool, and showed him how to touch with two fingers. His face swarmed with curiosity and intrigue.
“Are they any other things?”
Sam spoke up.
“I know one really cool one. It’s called your bed, you should go check it out!”
“Heyyyy!”
Sam and Sebastian both laughed as the latter reunited to standing.
“It really is way past your bedtime Vince. We should get home,” he turned to Sebastian and continued, “You should get home too. Your mom was worried.”
“Thanks for coming out here so late. You really didn’t have to.”
“No problem. And hey, if you ever need help with anything, don’t ever hesitate to ask me. I mean it.”
“Thanks. You too, y’know.”
And with that, they split off on their walks home. Sebastian knew he would have a lovely chat with Robin when he arrived, but for now he just walked the same path he had always known.