Just a Gaze

I watched the waves crash at Venice Beach today, the spray cool on my face. Everyone was laughing, sun-kissed and loud. I just sat on the sand, feeling the grit between my fingers, and a heavy weight settled behind my eyes. It's not a cry, just a dull ache, wishing I could feel that carefree joy, even for a second. The ocean felt too big for my small sadness.