Summer of Five
The Waymaker Lighthouse
Swimsuits, sand, and sunglasses for all!
The Waymaker Lighthouse
With towels draped over their shoulders, a basket of sweet snacks, and a thermos of ice-cold lemonade, the friends set off for the shore. It was, without a doubt, the perfect day for the beach.
They agreed to meet beneath the shadow of the Waymaker Lighthouse, one of the most magnificent structures in the entire neighborhood. Rising taller than the oldest oak tree, its brilliant beacon could cut through the thickest morning fog that rolled off the mountaintops. No matter where you stood in the neighborhood, if you looked up, you could see the Waymaker.
The Trusting Stairs
Reaching the top required conquering the "Trusting Stairs"—but only once. The very first time anyone climbed them, it was a test of courage. Some of the wooden steps creaked ominously, and others looked as though they might give way entirely. The friends remembered holding onto the railing with white knuckles during their first ascents. But once you made it to the top that first time, you never had to climb them again; you could return to the lookout simply by closing your eyes and thinking of the light.
And the view was entirely worth the effort. From the glass dome, the world stretched out far and wide. A comfortable bench invited tired travelers to rest, and beside it sat a mysterious wooden box. Inside, there was always a fresh bottle of water and a loaf of warm, sweet bread. No one ever saw who replenished the box, and no one ever asked. They had all needed the comfort of that quiet sanctuary at one point or another, and they were simply grateful for the magic that kept it stocked.
After dropping their picnic basket at the cool stone base of the lighthouse, Mousey, Clementine, and Teddy scattered across the sun-drenched beach to enjoy their favorite seaside pastimes.
Mousey’s Anchor
Mousey headed straight for the shoreline to stand where the tide dissolved into foam. With each incoming swell, the water washed over his feet, burying him a little deeper into the wet sand. He loved that feeling. As the earth hugged his toes tight, he felt anchored and strong, perfectly secure against the waves that crested against his knees.
Clementine’s Treasures
Further down the coast, Clementine Pennyfoot strolled along the glittering high-tide line, her head bowed in deep concentration. She was on a mission for treasures washed ashore. Whenever she found a perfect, unbroken shell, she tucked it safely into her pocket. But whenever she spotted a stranded starfish or a little crab caught out of bounds, she gently scooped them up and tossed them back into the safety of the sea.
Teddy’s Castles
Meanwhile, Teddy Bearon preferred to stay in one comfortable spot. He sat in the warm sand, scooping up handfuls of earth while keeping a watchful, loving eye on his friends. Teddy was a builder. Sometimes he sculpted grand, sturdy castles. Other times, he filled a bucket with soggy sand and let it drip slowly through his fingers, building tall, delicate spires and abstract trees that hardened beautifully as they dried in the sun.
