6:53 p.m.
Sunset at the pier in Panama City Beach.
The pier, stretching 1,500 feet, extends out into the ocean. We planned our day around walking the pier at sunset.
My three best friends and I had road tripped down to Florida. We spent the week soaking up every ray of sun before we returned to Ohio.
I pull my sweater out of my bag. With each second the air gets a little colder as the golden light slowly slips beneath the water.
I scan the water for dolphins or other friendly creatures.
Back on the beach there are groups of young girls taking photos, kids picking up scraps of seashells and couples walking along the water’s edge. They become smaller and smaller as I venture further out on the water.
The ocean is infinite. Nothing for miles. I absorb it all.
We are near the end of the pier. My friends and I stand on the side, away from the main crowd and take in the final moments of the sunset.
We spend a minute in silence as the sun disappears into the ocean with nothing but a green flash.
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