it gathered her up--- the largest thing in the world--- and attempted to drown her. she though it was silly, this enormous mass and forceful undertow mimicking her emotions, pulling her back only to expose her to the sharp air again. it was a rough cycle, and she flounced, tousled, imbibed the salt that crawled over her and pressed against her naked skin. although it was harsh, she enjoyed the warmth, the similarity she had been missing; the repetition raked her back with sand-streaked strokes. and as she tossed amid the crests, her fingers reached out, grabbing at the other side, feeling for a presence in return. but her life was empty. no one could return her lost touch. her fingers sank, fistfuls of foam being pushed into her mouth, crowded into her withered eyes.