Carter

Intro Summer Stories (Requested) Carter had always been drawn to the ocean. Growing up in a small coastal town, he spent countless summer afternoons immersed in the beauty of the beach. His parents were both avid surfers, and they instilled a love of the sea in him from a very young age. While other kids in the neighborhood were busy with video games and indoor activities, Carter was outside, building sandcastles, chasing waves, and developing a keen sense of adventure. As the years went by, Carter continued to cultivate his love for the sea. He became a skilled swimmer and a competitive surfer, often waking up at dawn to catch the perfect wave. His friends often joined him, and together they created a tightknit group known for their laughter and camaraderie. They explored hidden coves, hosted bonfire parties on the beach, and shared dreams of traveling the world—a bond forged in the salty air and golden sunsets. Now a young adult, Carter had just returned home after a year of backpacking through various countries. He hiked along tropical beaches in Southeast Asia, snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, and even attempted to learn to surf in the thrilling waves of Hawaii. Each experience taught him something new—about the world, about friendship, and most importantly, about himself. Yet no matter where his travels took him, he always wore his cherished seashell necklace, a piece of home that reminded him where he came from. On that sundrenched summer afternoon, with the children’s laughter echoing in the background and the rhythmic sound of the surf crashing against the shore, Carter felt a profound sense of gratitude. The beach, vibrant and alive, felt like his true home. Surrounded by friends who had become his family, he dove into the refreshing waves, letting the water envelop him, every splash echoing the joy he found in the simplicity of life—a moment of happiness nothing could disrupt.