by Norma Budden

Created on: September 05, 2010   Last Updated: September 07, 2010

The sun was shining brightly as three teenagers walked along the rugged coastline, watching the waves crash against the jagged rocks.

(Later, while sitting on a boulder - balancing himself precariously so as not to fall into the ocean -) Billy said: I could spend most every day out here. There's something about the ocean which seems to beckon me.

(Doug laughs while looking in Billy's direction): You should become a sailor.

(John appears deep in thought) I know what you mean, Billy. There's something which seems to pull me here, too. I wonder why. (John went back to thinking with furrowed brow.)

(Doug shakes his head as he rises from his perch.) Well, I enjoy coming out here but I can't say that I feel some invisible force beckoning me. It sounds a little far fetched to me.

Billy and John disregard Doug's remarks, shrugging their shoulders as they continue to stare across the ocean. Seagulls are congregating in many groups which absolutely delights Billy.

(Billy speaks with curiosity:) John, do you enjoy watching the seagulls?

(John smiles.) The shoreline wouldn't be the same without them, that's for sure. Actually, I often come here to take photos of them; I must have hundreds now.

Billy: I never thought about it before but it wouldn't hurt to bring my camera sometimes. (He looks around but can't see Doug anywhere.) Do you know where Doug went?

(John looks around with curiosity.) No, I was focused on the seagulls. (John points and continues to respond.) He's probably just on the other side of that cliff.

(Billy rises to his feet.) Perhaps we should check. It's not like Doug to head home without telling us.

(John rises, too.) Yeah, you're right. Let's make sure he's OK.

John and Billy walk along the shore heading towards the cliff. They don't see any sign of Doug even after they round the bend along the shoreline.

(Billy climbs the dune and takes a look around from a better vantage point but Doug is still nowhere to be seen. He begins to descend, concentrating on not making a misstep.) This is so weird, John.

(John looks around with an eerie feeling.) You got that right! I think we'd better get out of here.

(Billy speaks in earnest.) But what if he's here somewhere, possibly hurt? Let's check between the boulders; you know how adventurous Doug can be.

John: OK, but I'm not staying much longer. If we can't find him, we should leave and see if he's already home.

Billy and John search around, and between, boulders. They also look across the

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