Works over, I catch the bus home, drop my bags, and get changed. I head down to the garage and hop on the bike my dad found on the side of the road and restored back to working condition. I’m wearing a black singlet, denim shorts, a pair of German army trainers, and I’ve got a pair of Speedos under my shorts.

I put my tote bag carrying my towel, phone, and book around my neck so it doesn’t get in the way when I’m trying to ride. I put my AirPods in and press play on my new playlist.

There’s still a few hours left until the afternoon light disappears. I leave my street, pedal intensely for a few meters, and then cruise, alternating between hard and soft, as I leave my neighbourhood.

It should only take about twenty minutes until I get to the beach. A song just started playing I’ve had on repeat for the past two weeks. Everything is perfect. I can feel my legs, and I can see what’s in front of me.

There’s the main intersection with a handful of cars going who knows where. All I know is that I’m going to the beach. I cut across the road up onto the sidewalk and pedal a bit harder as I pull myself up the hill.

My legs are starting to burn, but I like it. There’s a park next to me I used to train at with my dad. We would run up the hills at the start of the footy season so I could get in shape.

I’m rolling now. I can faintly hear the wheels over the strum of my music. I can see my old high school up ahead, and another park across the road where my family used to ride our bikes together.

I missed this, you know, riding my bike and all. Before I had a car this was how I got around. I’d fly down this exact road and meet my friends at the beach after making one call on the landline, and saying meet me here.

I think we kept our word more back in those days when we were kids, compared to now when we’re adults. That’s sad. But hey, look, that’s where I got chased by that guy in the BMW after my brother egged his car. I still remember when he grabbed me by the collar and dragged me to my front step to my parents.

Good times.

Once I get up this last hill, it’s all downhill until I make it to the beach.

I can’t believe how skinny this bike lane is, I wish there was more room. I am glad that no one’s on the road though.

I’m flying now, my speed is picking up, and I haven’t had to peddle for a while. This is probably my favourite part when I’m riding. Not much longer until I make it now. I can see the sea up ahead.

There’s one of my old friend’s houses, and there’s another one, and another one. I wonder how they’re all going? I hope they’re well.

There’s the skatepark I used to spend every afternoon at, and the surf club to the left of it, where the life guards had to dig out a sea urchin buried in my toe that one time.

I’m rolling down the boulevard now, and the sea is to the right of me. Some people are walking their dogs, some people are running, and some people are hanging out with their friends. The beach is too rough so I’m heading a little further up to the seaside pool.

I rode the exact same route the week before, and the week before that. I guess this is becoming somewhat of a routine for me. The little kid playing with his dad makes me smile.

It’s such a nice afternoon.

Another hill up ahead, but at least there’s a good song playing. That’ll make it easier. I’m nearly at the pool, and I’m starting to sweat. I’m excited to cool off. It looks busy but I don’t mind. I’m glad there’s people around, it feels more alive like that.

I roll down the last hill onto the grass and down to the pool.

I wonder who made the street library down here? Like seriously, we need more people like that in the world.

I should probably drop off some of my old books.

I hop off my bike and chain it to the railing next to the warning sign. The pool is full, and the sky is sweet. The clouds are transforming into that cotton candy colour.

There’s beautiful women everywhere I look. I think about having someone besides me but I’m enjoying my own company today.

I’m at peace.

I walk across the rocks, searching for somewhere to drop my bag, and lay out my towel. There’s a spot over in the light. I strip my clothes leaving nothing but my Speedos.

I used to hate wearing these things but now, I love it. I scuttle down to the side of the pool and look up at the dozen people hanging on to the seaside chains, waiting to get battered by the oncoming waves.

It looks fun but I’m here to relax. I dive in and feel a sense of relief. The heat has left my body and my temperature is stabilising.

Oh shit, there’s a bluebottle, and another one, fuck! They’re everywhere. But somehow I miss each and every one of them and safely exit the pool.

It doesn’t look like there’s any on the other side of the pool, so I’ll head over there.

Yep, this is better, not one in sight. I dive back in, swim around for a moment, and dip my head below the surface incrementally until I’ve had enough.

I walk back over to my towel and reach for the book in my bag. This one has been taking me a while to get through. It’s not bad, it’s just dense, and really makes you think.

I sit up for a while reading until I lay down on my towel and soak in the last moments of light. Hopefully my legs can get some colour this way.

I continue reading until a passage peaks my interest. I reach for my mechanical pencil in the bottom of my bag before underlining what I just read. I continue to do this, at every passage I think is interesting.

This chapter is good. I will leave when I finish it. I sit back up and notice a girl watching me reading.

She looks cute.

I focus my attention back on my book and keep reading until I’m done with the chapter.

It’s time for dinner.

I put my clothes back on, pack up my stuff, and walk back up to my bike.

I feel like pizza tonight.

I ride back down the promenade to the main area of the beach before making a right turn, and passing a man with a cockatoo on his shoulder.

Wait, what the fuck? I look back.

He’s literally walking around with a giant bird on his shoulder.

I weave through a dozen people on my way to the shops. I park my bike, walk in, and place an order for a meatlovers pizza. It’s a fifteen minute wait but I don’t mind.

I sit out the front and see another kid riding his bike across the road. He reminds me of myself when I was younger. There’s another group of kids doubling each other on a couple of electric bikes.

I can’t believe how fast they go.

I think I just heard my name. Yep, they’re definitely calling my name.

My pizza is ready. I walk in, collect my dinner, my cold bottle of water, and ride back down to the beach with one hand.

I pull over, take a seat on the steps facing the ocean, and open the box. No more music, it’s time to eat. The pizza is delicious. The barbecue sauce is great, and the pizza is cooked perfectly. Its crispness explodes in my mouth.

I savour each bite and watch the shadows move beside me. Before I know it, I’m done and I’m throwing the box out. My cold water completes my meal.

I think about riding home but realise, I’m already here.