The Crystal Dolphin (part 6)

"The sun's rays became milder. Some people at the beach were literally red.
The glow reflected by the ocean's water remembered Nathan about the trip he once did with his parents to the United States. It was a Christmas gift, a trip to Disney. Apart from visiting the parks, they also spent some days at the coast, contemplating those beautiful American beaches from the top of the cliffs.
Nathan and his cousins were walking on the wet sand so they could be reached by the wet and salty fingers of the waves which were crashing on the shore. Soraya was talking with aunt Lívia about something that they weren't interested in. Renata was focused on tormenting uncle Bruno, jumping on his back and throwing water on his face. Taísa was walking next to Nathan. Maybe she was a little more quiet, and that made her a more pleasant company.
Paulo was walking on a sand strip a little far from them, where the sand was dry and too fluffy to walk on. His feet were sinking and there weren't pretty shells to collect. In a strange way, Nathan felt no desire to be near him.
- Ta - he called - Do you think there's something wrong with my dad?
She gave a quick look at her uncle.
- He looks very thoughtful - she pointed - I'd risk to say that he seems to be upset. Did anything happen?
- He has been like that to me during the last three or four years - Nathan explained - Since I broke a crystal dolphin that he had.
The girl's eyes widened, but Nathan found no plausible reason for that.
- The crystal dolphin? Did you break it? - she questioned - Well, I'd say that it's a good enough reason for him to be like that.
- But it was just a garnish - the boy said - Maybe I can find another that's equal, so I can compensate him.
- That dolphin was a gift, Nathan. A very important gift - she explained - It cannot be compensated or even replaced.
He didn't reply. He let his gaze wander until it finds the ocean again, whose waters were calmly reflecting the glow of the sun rays."
...

- Laila.