Castles Made of Sand

“Will you play with me?”

I opened my eyes and looked up. He was about three years old, a blue plastic bucket in one small hand and a bright red shovel in the other. His dark hair was nearly in his eyes, which were wide with enthusiasm.

“Gladly,” I replied, sitting up on my beach towel. In front of me was Lac Leman and behind it the French Alps rose into the sky. I stood up and followed the child down…