“Well, we won’t let him know that I think he’s a pain in the ass, will we. Can’t wreck my perfect image that he has of me. I mean, I am close to being a legend in his eyes, so let’s keep that on track, shall we?” I lift my shirt up to wipe the sweat off my face.

“I’ll head off too and let you get your surf in before the storm hits. The reports on the radio on the way over here say it’s going to be a big one. Which means work is going to be busy tonight. No one knows how to stay home and shelter from the weather.” She leans forward, giving me a peck on the cheek, and I wrap my arms around her for a hug.

“Yuck, you’re all sweaty and gross,” she squeals, trying to pull away from me.

“But you love your little brother anyway.” I finally let her go so she can escape the smell.

“Keep telling yourself that, bro. I’m on night shift for the next few days, so I’ll see you early next week. Make sure you stay safe out there this afternoon. I don’t want to see you in the back of my rig because you’ve done something stupid.” She slaps me on the shoulder as she steps backwards.

“Me and stupid don’t belong in the same sentence. Anyway, I’m the one that should be telling you to stay safe on the roads tonight.”

“Yeah, yeah. Heard it all before. You can guarantee, I’ll have the text message from Mom in the next thirty minutes to remind me too. Anyone would think I’m the baby of the family.”

“Nope, Mom still saves those lectures for me. Now, get going, I have a storm swell to surf and then a cold beer waiting for me.” I open the door to my truck, and she waves as she drives off down the road.

* * *

Nothing compares to the calmness I feel out here, sitting on my surfboard, feeling the power of the ocean beneath me. It’s how I choose to start and end my day. Except this afternoon might be cut a little short. The rumble is getting louder coming from behind me. It’s a fine balance. The storm makes the swell bigger which makes the surfing better. But with it comes the danger of lightning. I didn’t pay much attention in high school, but I do remember the lesson about lightning. The highest point is what attracts the electricity. Pretty simple equation. Don’t be the highest point!

I’m looking for that one last wave of the day, the perfect one. Glancing around, I see that while I’ve been watching the storm coming and in my own bubble of thought, all the others out here have cleared out. Guess I’m the last man standing.