27 - Kathleen
Using rods and pincers, I picked up the edge of a transparent cushion brought in by the tide, making sure to pull in the ragged poisonous lines trailing after.
Now, now, now!
I had to shoo off a too-curious gull to retrieve the slimy jellyfish and put it in the open trash bag. It was the one-leg pirate, combing the beach for edibles. Its comrades were probably pestering tourists on the pier.
The tourists sunning themselves on the old man’s rock and the roll of sand marking the high tide did not pay attention to my cart. I wore a bright orange vest, a road worker’s, meaning I would be invisible. Nobody looked at city workers.
Nobody would ask me if the town paid me.
I was doing this for Stella.
Even if the people heeded the board warnings and did not wade in the water,
