Each morning just as the sun rose I slipped out of my apartment

And went for a swim off of the hippy beach which was usually empty

That is where I met Irene who was the daughter of a local bar owner

She was also an addict who hung out with the drifters of the town

Although attractive in a plain sort of way the drugs had taken their toll

And she looked older than her years which added to her alienation

About a week ago I visited the beach and saw her half hidden under a rough blanket

This was not unusual as I often saw Irene and other addicts crashed on the beach

I had been swimming for about fifteen minutes in the cool morning sea

When I saw her rise undress and walk naked into the waves as if in a trance

She swam towards me where she kissed me on the cheek with a certain passion

Irene had been clean for nearly three weeks and was travelling to the city later in the day

Where she was to attend therapy to help her to fight her addiction once and for all

But before she left she wanted me to hug her and see her quite naked in the sea

 

 

From The Drifters by Lucy Robinson (2008)