JUST ONE THING : Some Advice Is Not Worth A Grain of Sand

When I think of the prompt for today, I remember my mom. This wise woman tossed out numerous words of advice to me and my siblings when we were of the age to understand some of them. One such advice was not to take everyone else's advice if your gut warn you otherwise. Yes, you can listen, she'd recommend; however, take it and weight it against your particular circumstances. No two people's issues are alike. And, most importantly, results may vary!

Just One Thing - Daily Prompt for 01/07/2022 = Sand

For the fifth time, Jeffrey reached into his pocket. His phone displayed no new messages. Damn, he thought, it's been a week. After taking his best friend's advice, he was positive his girlfriend, Brittany, would call. After all, issuing a counter ultimatum was brilliant and assertive. He couldn't ignore, though, the sudden twinge in his chest after acknowledging her non-response. But, he must not allow personal issues to consume his thoughts. His department's weekly report was due in two hours. Concentration was required to finish before he left for the weekend. The trip planned at Trenton's lake cabin seemed relaxing. And he needed the break. The deadline imposed by Brittany didn't sit well. However, the deadline imposed by his company's main office took precedent today. He'd think more on the former this weekend.

The winding, narrow road required Jeffrey's concentration. The closer to the resort, his anticipation heightened. Trenton had already hinted that the beach would be his aching heart's best medicine.

Ten of Trenton's closest friends had already arrived. Most didn't need to worry about work demands. Introductions were made. Jeffrey hurried to change so he could join the activities at the outside bar.

He didn't want to admit that he was genuinely having fun. The beach activities and lounging close to the water did help to take his mind off his problems at home.

The warmth of the sun, together with the cocktail eased Jeffrey's throbbing temples. With eyes closed, he glided the cool drink across his forehead and released a long sigh. Digging his feet deeper into the sand and his thoughts deeper on a possible future without Brittany, he didn't hear Trenton approach from behind.

"Why bring sand to the beach?" Trenton winked as he noticed Jeffrey's movements, then turned and laughed wickedly. He held up three fingers and pointed in the direction of the ladies lounging nearby.

His friends caught the joke and tossed it like the volleyball in play. The ladies in the group, relaxing nearby, whispered among themselves. No one knew Jeffrey's girlfriend. The perfect opportunity, they felt, presented itself for a few introductions.

Jeffrey knew what was expected of him. But, he had no intentions of meeting anyone that weekend or starting a new relationship.

Not wanting to seem rude, he smiled and waved.

He just needed to clear his head. Besides, he knew enough of his acquaintances' and co-workers' problems to know that starting anything new you're not intending to follow up on was a sure fire way to lose on both ends.

Trenton threw up his arms as if in defeat and rejoined the activities.

Jeffrey looked out over the waves rushing toward the edge of the shore as though bringing a fresh catch and inviting him to sample. He thought about Trenton's remark. Indeed, why bring sand to the beach? He glanced at the thinly-clad beach bodies. The mixed drink helped a smile crept onto his face and thoughts into his mind.

After all, we've only been in a relationship for five years. What was the deal with Brittany issuing me an ultimatum, he questioned. He shook his head violently, then took a large gulp of the mixed drink in an effort to clear his thoughts. It worked!

He jumped up from the lounger and took a step toward the group. Suddenly, he stopped, reached down, and grabbed his foot as he felt a sharp pain. He noticed a dark substance trickling into the sand.

He quickly removed his shades and examined his foot. Realizing he'd stepped on a small piece of broken glass, he scooped it up together with a handful of sand. He examined the glass closely, then tossed it into a nearby trash bin.

The only itemr emained was a handful of sand. Probably thousands of particles exactly the same according to Trenton.

Jeffrey then examined the sand until a brilliant piece cast a glimmer in the sun. He'd read somewhere that, out of the billions of grains of sand, no two were the same. He stared at the grains for a moment. Trenton was wrong, he surmised. He could bring sand to the beach.

Brittany came to mind. Compared to all the women he knew, she sparkled the brightest with an off-colored personality that matched his own only he recognized. That was the bond and special relationship they'd developed in the past five years.

He spread his fingers. In an instant the sand disappeared. A few seconds later, the brightly-colored particle also fell through, caught the slight breeze and disappeared.

He looked up to the sky. And I was about to let my future slip from my hands listening to someone else's advice, he thought.

After dinner, he tended to his non-threatening wound, then packed. His goodbyes were short. He made sure no evidence of sand lingered in his luggage.

With his headlights flashing in the fog, he drove with alacrity. However, he slowed to ensure he'd make it safely. Besides, his future was only two hours away.

Jeffrey vowed that, from that day, the only advice he'd listen to going forward worth a grain of sand would be himself and his future wife on issues that concerned them.