Beach Buddies

Three women lean together on a low stone wall above the sand, deep in conversation, one blowing soap bubbles that drift up between them. Sun hats sit beside them on the ledge, and at their feet three dogs of different sizes and coats look up expectantly, clearly hoping for a treat from the bags each woman holds. Behind them the sky swirls in warm gold and soft blue, and a fourth little dog trots alone along the distant shoreline. The mood is easy and unhurried, all warmth and friendship, the dogs just as much a part of the gathering as the women themselves.