Reading by Sunset

Two figures, immersed in their books, sit on the balcony.

One looks up. Admires the setting sun. Goes back for another page or two. Looks up again.

It’s a perfectly clear evening and the distant sea is glowing crystal blue… that blue, the one that only comes at sunset and sunrise… her favourite colour of all.

“Check out the beautiful sunset,” she suggests to her young companion.

The Munchkin looks up and briefly takes it in. “Wow, Mum, it’s amazing!” and then goes back to his book.

For several minutes they sit in silence. Reading. Looking up occasionally to note the subtle changes in colour of sky and sea.

Ships can be spotted as they sail out of the bay. The Munchkin goes inside to grab the binoculars and proceeds to check them out. “Mum, that one’s huge! Can we please check out what it is?”

I’m reluctant to go inside to check the internet for the shipping map. It is so lovely out here, and this will be one of the last evenings like this before Autumn really settles in.

But I do anyway… to satisfy his curiosity… to encourage his interest.

I know that if I do, there will be many more evenings just like this – of books and sunsets and passing ships in the distance. Maybe one day, that may create something powerful enough to move the world!

Today I am grateful.