The calling

I sat on the soft, golden sand, resting my back against the swaying palm tree. The sun was so hot today and the dappled shade of the tree gave welcome relief.

The soft, warm breeze ruffled my hair, bringing with it a warm, fragrant smell from the nearby spice market.

I smiled, as I watched a group of small children, wearing brightly coloured clothes, playing a game with small stones on the dusty earth a little way away. Their happy, bubbling laughter carried clearly to me. Innocents without a care in the world.

The sea, of the deepest azure I had ever seen, twinkled in the sun. The water looked so cool and inviting.

I kicked off my shoes, carrying them in my hand and ran towards it.

I sat on a small pier, swinging my feet over the edge to be caressed by the velvety smooth, cool water.

I watched small boats playing on the water, scudding along in the tranquil bay, as the wind breathed its warmth into their red sails.

I felt totally immersed in the scene, smelling, feeling, seeing everything in the minutest of detail.

From a great distance I heard a shrill and discordant sound. It pulled at me, reminding me of things elsewhere.

Perhaps if I ignored it, peace would resume, I could relax once more.

The sound got louder, louder, nearer and nearer until I could no longer ignore it!

It jerked me back to reality! I put the book down upon the sofa, feeling angry about the disturbance.

I picked up the phone, longing to return to my book and my imagination once more.