So Simple, Yet So Happy
Start writing a post
Student Life

So Simple, Yet So Happy

Perfectly content watching dolphins

407
Personal
Marissa Chappell

I am sitting on a wooden stool, on a pier, overlooking the Cooper River, in downtown Charleston. The weather is a whooping 75 degrees with a breeze light enough for short sleeves but cool enough to not be dripping in sweat.

I can feel the rays soaking into my skin. I smell stinky fish. But stinky fish never smelt so good. The sounds of families conversing reminds me of my own and brings me back home. There is a man admiring the Cooper River Bridge with his daughter reminding me of my dad and my first visit to The College. Another man, possibly homeless, playing guitar and singing. He feels alive and free.

The glistening of the water shining in the corner as of my eye, is mesmerizing and calming. Every few minutes a boat will pass by and give me a moment to take a break from my paper and admire the happiness and freedom in such a small moment in time.

There are people everywhere. Couples, families, friends, tourists, men looking for wives, and one women with her 4-year-old son.

He is so cute, he's looking for dolphins and so far, has seen two. They've been here looking into the horizon since before I got here, so I imagine they've been here a while.

The little boy is eating chocolate ice cream out of a cone, but I can't see much of it going into his mouth, mostly on his face, hands, and shirt.

His mom is young, enjoying looking for dolphins just as much as the boy is. Still content, the mother says "Rider, 10 more minutes and then we have to go to the airport".

As a dolphin emerges out of the murky green water then slowly vanishes back under, the mom and boy run to guess where it would pop its fin up next. The second that fin pops up all the children run to the best viewing location and all gather around waiting not-so-patiently for the next fin.

A little girl comes strolling on her pink scooter down the wooden platform straight for the young boy. She's come ready to hunt for dolphins.

On my other side there are two girls- maybe late 20s- they look "so Charleston" in cute little brunch outfits. They asked some lady to take their picture in regular picture mode and in portrait mode because they are "those people" they said.

Anyway, back to the little boy and girl. They have become mini marine biologist running up and down the pier, surely not distracting me, rather helping me write this thing.

They are disturbed my the little boys mom, "okay Rider, time to go to the airport!"

They say an innocent, naïve goodbye, and the boy gets in his stroller as his mother pushes him back up the wooden platform. The little girl followed behind until she realised the boy could no longer see her and then scooted back down the wooden platform sad that her new friend had left.

Now a new family is here. A mom, a dad, and a little girl. The little girl saw that shiney grey fin emerge "a shark! Or a dolphin! I don't know".

It's crazy that something as simple as sunshine, water, or a dolphin can make everyone happy. Something so simple.

If this happiness is brought to all who skip class, I'm skipping every day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94518
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments