Ji had her art supplies packed in a plastic bin strapped to the back of her bike. She’d left her house before dawn to catch the sunrise over the Pacific. Her dad had fussed over her by making sure she had her reflective gear on and in working order. He’d also made her check twice that she had her cellphone. Grateful for her father’s attentions and anxious to be free of them, Ji had set out at a moderate pace while most high school kids slept in on a Saturday.

Question

Ji peddled on and thought about how she loved to capture her surroundings at sunrise: the tipuana tree near her back patio, the tram map at the Lemon Grove station that would take her to downtown San Diego, the evening primroses that would stay open until the high, hot sun shined at noon.

Today, Ji planned to sketch at the beach and decide on a new color pallet for her next painting. Once at the beach, Ji unpacked her sketchbook, pencils, and paint pens. She spread her wind jacket on the sand like it was a blanket and began drawing.

***

Before dawn on Saturday, Asher’s running shoes smacked the damp sand on the beach. On his left, waves rolled in an even rhythm that sent up frothy white fingers that scraped the shore and receded. Here, then gone. Here, then gone. The words matched his footfalls.

Asher didn’t mind the semi-darkness but looked forward to the sky breaking with light. Coach had suggested the team put in extra endurance and weight work this weekend. Their high school volleyball team had a chance to go far this season; he dreamed of making it to the state championship game, but the competition was fierce.

Minutes ticked by with Asher’s legs and arms pumping. A crack of slender pink-orange light stretched on the horizon, just enough that Asher saw something massive and heaving on the shore in front of him. Panicky and uncertain of what was in his path, he felt goosebumps rise on his skin. After a few strides closer to the giant form, he had a strange, uncanny feeling he knew what it was, and because of this, he didn’t turn back. He ran towards it.

Answer 1

As he approached, the details of the object began to clarify in the pre-dawn light. It was a whale, washed ashore and struggling for breath, its massive body glistening in the soft hues of dawn. Asher skidded to a halt, his heart racing in his chest. The sight was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking—a magnificent creature trapped on the sand, gasping for air.

“Hey!” he called out, looking around for anyone else who might have seen it. The beach was still mostly empty, the only sound the gentle lapping of waves and the faint squawking of seagulls in the distance. He rushed closer, his running instincts from the morning suddenly fading into a mix of concern and wonder. He crouched down beside the whale, his hands trembling slightly as he reached out to feel the smooth, slick skin.

“We have to help it!” Asher muttered to himself, scanning the beach for signs of other beachgoers or any lifeguard on duty. The enormity of the situation was pressing, and he knew time was of the essence. As he looked back at the whale, he noticed its eye widening as if recognizing him. It was an intimate, shared moment of vulnerability that sent a chill through him.

“Stay with me,” he whispered, unsure if the creature could understand. “Help is coming.” He needed to act fast, and with a burst of adrenaline, he turned and sprinted back down the beach, determination surging through him. As he ran, he spotted Ji not far away, her focused gaze anchored on her sketchbook.

“Ji!” he shouted, waving his arms wildly. She looked up, surprise painting her face as she noticed the urgency in his approach. Her eyes darted between him and the sketchbook before she closed it abruptly.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, standing up and brushing sand off her jacket.

“There’s a whale on the beach! It’s stranded!” Asher gestured frantically. “We need to get help!”

Ji’s expression shifted from confusion to alarm as she followed his gaze towards the water. “Oh no! Let’s go!” Without hesitation, they both took off towards the lifeguard station, adrenaline propelling them forward, anxious to make a difference for the creature fighting to breathe.

As they reached the lifeguard station, Ji’s mind raced. She pulled out her cellphone, hands shaking slightly as she dialed the emergency line for marine life rescues. Meanwhile, Asher scanned the area, hoping against hope that others had noticed the whale and were on their way.

“Please hurry!” Ji said, her voice trembling as she spoke into the phone, giving directions to their location. As they waited, the sound of the ocean felt nearer, the cries of seagulls more piercing, and the reality of the situation settled heavily around them. Just a moment ago, they had been two kids enjoying a beautiful sunrise, and now they were witnesses to a fragility that often goes unnoticed.

As they stood there, watching the waves break against the shore, they felt a surge of solidarity—two bright-eyed artists and athletes determined to fight for life, each in their own way. If they could help even just one creature today, it would be a moment worth capturing, a story that would fill their hearts with purpose.

With the promise of help on its way, Ji stepped closer to Asher, her artistry merging with his athleticism in a singular purpose—their sunrise at the beach taking on a depth they never expected.