17 April 2012
The little boy placed the shells in a neat row just as the wizard had asked. But then he grew up, as little boys often do, and left the shells behind. It wasn't until many years later when he was on old man himself, with a beard as long as he was that he thought of the old wizard again. He remembered the shells and journeyed back to the beach that he had visited long ago, but found that he was too old and feeble to rove the rocky shore and collect the shells he fondly remembered. He saw a little boy passing by and gave to him the task of finding the shells. The little boy thought it was exciting and fun and vanished off into the sands to collect shells. Many hours passed and the old man began to worry. The sun set and he suddenly realised how foolish he had been. What could have befallen the poor little boy? He cautiously moved along the beach, calling out for the lad, but got no response. The tide had risen high and swept around the man's feet. He looked down and saw a line of shells, all neatly placed and with their points all turned towards him. He looked out to sea and peered out forlornly at the night sky.
Shells. • Opuss № I