Sand

The sand is grey, a mixture of fine sand and tiny pebbles. It pours easily like the sand in an hour glass.

As you are laying on the beach, the children work together to bury your legs and feet in the sand. This feels good and provides an entertaining diversion.

Turning your head to the side gives you a close up view of the ground. The bumps and dips in the sand portray a miniature landscape, with many tiny pieces of dry wood here and there. A solitary ant makes his way quickly across the grainy wilderness.

You notice a small shell, about a centimeter or so in width. The shell lays flat in your hand, with the spiral curving outward from the center like a bun. The shell is not damaged, but is thin and obviously fragile. The original inhabitant is long gone, leaving only a bit of dust and dried mud.