*Cha Cha on the Rocks—Straight up and a little shaken.

It is too quiet in my house.

I fill the void with other people’s voices.—I’m not schizophrenic. Besides the whole talking to Cha Cha thing. But that’s not crazy. It’s genius.—Podcasts mostly. I’m so tired of hearing other people’s voices. I gotta get out of here.

***

The beach is bustling. I am surrounded by movement and momentum.

People in motion. Families with little ones splashing in the surf. Couples walking hand-in-hand. A middle-aged man with bare feet rolls up his jeans and wades a little farther. I watch them all from my spot on the rocks.

I focus on the water, the waves crashing into one another. I let myself feel the push and pull of the tide. Breath in. Breath out.

Queen of momentum, the Ocean swells with new content. I marvel at the consistency of her work. Each wave brings a new perspective from her infinite point of view.

**

Christmas is over! No more jingle bells. Adios, Santa Claus.

Today, the only gift is the present; I unwrap just what I wanted! Tranquility refills the air as the sun makes her final appearance from behind a curtain of clouds. Joy to the world on this chilly December day. Let us rejoice! For the sun is almost set.

*

This is a miracle, Cha Cha! You are on the beach. Writing. In December. Because you live here.

I live here because I made it happen. Ten years ago, was the coldest winter of my life. Today, I look up and see that everything is different. I am different.

It’s not easy to be different. When you are the same, they show you who to be. When you are different, you have to figure it out for yourself.

“Who are you, Cha Cha?” I type. Then I sit for a while, reflecting on the magnitude of the question and my impatience for the ambiguities of life. I stare at the darkening waves, jealous of their flow.

I return my fingers to type and my mouth twitches into a smile. “If you really wanna know, this is the way to find out,” Cha Cha sparks from within. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says, knowing that the sun left ten minutes ago.

“I promise to get here earlier.” I say, “We can spend the day together!” Then I pack up my things, trying not to forget this feeling.