The Old Man Walking on the Beach

The sand covered his feet and the salty sea air was blowing in his dry, grey hair. The water brushed against his worn brown pants. Memories flooded into his mind of when he was just a little boy and how he basically lived in the sea. Tears rolled down his face as the children ran into the water. He wiped his face on his oversized grey jumper.

His solitary figure was roaming around the beach trying to find the best place to rest for the night. He had been scavenging for food as well, looking in public rubbish bins and asking the locals around the beach.

He was sheltered by the low lying leaves of the pohutukawa trees the surrounded the beach. The sky had turned black almost in an instant. His hands were trembling as the cold air passed through the fibers of his jumper.

A wealthy couple walked past and saw his shivering body lying in the sand. “We should help the poor man.” The wife felt sorry for him and wanted to help. She woke him up and was surprised when he tried to run. He had nowhere to go so he stayed on the sand and listened to what they had to say.

Three months had past and the old man was back on his feet, working at a post office in downtown Auckland. He had a home and clothes to wear. It was all because of that couple’s generous hearts and he was grateful for all they had done for him.