Prologue:"Mom? Dad? Where are you going?!" I asked, panicked.
"Don't worry, sweetie. We'll be right back. It's almost sunset. Your father and I decided that we wanted to take a walk on the beach. You know, for some alone time." Mom soothed me with her words, and then kissed my forehead.
"When will you be back?" I asked, worried that I'd be alone in the house for a while.
"Right before it gets dark. I'll have my cell phone with me if you need to contact us. You know my number right?"
"Yup. I memorized it." A smile planted itself upon my face, showing how proud I am of that.
"Would you like to open your birthday present tonight or tomorrow morning?" Dad asked, lifting his eyebrow.
"Tomorrow. Since it's the actual day."
"'Kay, kiddo." he said, kneeling down so we were eye-level. His hand patted the top of my head.
"I can't believe you're turning seven!" Mom squealed, clearly excited. She examined me head to toe in awe. "My baby girl's growing up." she cooed and enveloped me into one of her massive hugs.
"Agh! Mom...." I whined, making her laugh.
"Oh, okay. Sorry." she said, still smiling.
Mom and Dad glanced at each other quickly then turned to me. Dad spoke, "Well, we're going to go on our walk now. Love you, sweetheart."
"Love you too, Daddy."
"Goodbye kiss?" He smiled and pointed to his cheek, leaning towards me. I happily pecked his cheek lightly.
"Ouch! Daddy, your beard hurts." That made all of us laugh.
"Love you, Mommy!" I kissed her on the cheek, too.
"I love you too, Aly."
With that as their goodbye, they walked out the door, hand in hand, heading in the direction of the beach. It was just down the street so it wasn't too far away.
I went to the window and watched the sun appear and disappear behind clouds. The daily blue sky was invaded by shades of purple, pink, and red. I watched as the colors changed, fascinated by how quick the sunset came and went.
The stars began to peek out of the night sky. The half moon shined brightly with the stars.