I resolve to get a tan before graduation. I know it’s bad for me. I know all the health risks. I know I should be doing everything to preserve my skin. But really, I look so much better with color.
I go through my pre-beach rituals. I put Clarins SPF 15 Sun Wrinkle Control Cream on my face. I still have two half-used containers from last summer. I read somewhere that these expire six months after opening. I once heeded this advice, but lack of money makes me more careless. Next I apply a presumably expired Clarins 30 SPF Sunscreen Stick on and around my lips, under my eyes, and on my nose and forehead. This, too, is from last summer. And finally, I spray all my remaining exposed skin with Coppertone Sport 30SPF (this at least is new).
I pack a bag with money, a big towel, my phone, prescription sunglasses, my book, and a paper.
I take out a little insulated bag for my lunch. Cold water. Grapes. A plum. A bagel thin, mustard and prosciutto. 15 Pringle Lights, and an ice pack.
It takes me longer to get ready now than it will by August. By then, I’ll be a pro.
I don’t have a beach chair in the city, but I plan to buy one in the next few days. Gotta have a chair. I leave my house, and walk a few blocks to John Jay Park. The only green there is on the trees. There is a nice, big, open sprinkler fountain, but no one over the age of five is in it.
I have my lunch in the sweltering heat. I read the paper. I stretch out on a park bench. I last an hour.
I miss the beach.
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