A man sat on a bridge with his legs dangling over the water, watching the sun set. As he breathed in the sweet breeze of the autumn evening, a wave swelled and washed over his feet. The man made a face and shook his wet shoes, trying to get rid of the cold damp.
A little while later, another wave, higher than the first, rose up and covered his lower legs, soaking his pants. The man groaned and rubbed his legs, trying to warm his chilled legs and feet so he could enjoy the sunset’s majesty.
The third wave was larger still, and splashed over his lower torso, enveloping him in cold water. He moaned and moved about, looking for a dry spot on the bridge. Another wave came, and he reached for a blanket, trying to stay warm. The sun was halfway down the horizon, and the man knew more waves would batter him.
As the man shivered on the bridge, having very cold water wash over him up to his hips, another man from further up the bridge came walking towards him. The wet man noticed he was quite dry, and gave him an envious look.
“Are you getting soaked?” asked the man from further up the bridge. He was answered by another wave which again soaked the seated, shivering man on the ground.
“Yes, I am. The water is so cold.” He shook his feet and curled up into a ball.
The dry man nodded. “Why don’t you move further up the bridge? It’s dry, and the view is even better.”
The wet man coughed and responded, “No, it’s alright. I came out to watch the sunset. I knew there’d be water, but I’m fine with it.”
Quizzically, the dry man looked on as another wave washed over the poor man on the ground. The soaking man coughed again and shivered.
“Well, it’s not wet up the bridge. It might be good if you got warm…”
“No, it’s alright,” the man cut in quickly. “I have a blanket.” A wave rose over the bridge and added more water to the already dripping cloth.
“You’re sure?” the dry man asked hesitantly.
“Of course. I know what I’m doing,” confirmed the wet man. He hunkered down for another round of waves and coughed and shivered.
The dry man shook his head and walked back the way he came. As he reached the top and leaned against the railing, the sun dove behind a cloud and caused the sky to explode into colorful fragments. Unseen by the man in the water, it was the most beautiful, peaceful sight the dry man had seen in a long time.
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