Justin sniffed the icy air, noting a trace of seaweed amongst the familiar salt. A stiff breeze from the north was clearing out the clouds. With it, the temperatures dropped. Huddling deeper into his duffle coat, he wished he’d worn a hat. But Clara loved to run her fingers though his dark curls, and laughing, call him “Pony Boy.” Better to face a little chill as they hiked the pebbled shore, away from the hotel and toward her childhood cottage; he knew so little about her, but was almost sure she was The One.    

Jogging to catch up with Clara, his boots grated and slipped at the water’s edge. She turned and laughed, not slowing, and held out her hand. White-blond hair writhed around her head and shoulders, like light through water. Her pupils, large and dark, were encircled with a thin band of shining, pale blue. Justin grabbed her hand, barely noting the slight webbing between her fingers.

The sun burst through as they rounded the edge of the bay. The wind blew in earnest, exciting waves to whitecaps. Justin no longer felt the cold.

“You wanted to know my hobbies?” She laughed, pointing to the dozen slick, dark bodies galloping through the waves toward the shore, hooves churning up front, tails undulating, heads tossing, high pitched whinnies echoing. “Meet my hobby horses!”

So saying, her clothes melted to foam and her taut, white body shone. She held out her hand in invitation. Tearing at his buttons, he accepted.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)

A combination of prompts today!
*Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE.  01/24/2025). No more than 250 words in length.
*Just Jot January Day 24– Prompt: HOBBIES from June. Be sure to visit their blog to read or just say hi!  See what other folks have done with the prompt, or add your own!   https://lindaghill.com/2025/01/24/daily-prompt-jusjojan-the-24th-2025/

Daily Prompt – JusJoJan the 24th, 2025