Ian and I took a late evening stroll out to the beach last night. As we crossed the deserted state beach parking lot on our way to the sand, I noticed a snail earnestly making its way across the asphalt. I stopped.
"What is it, mom?" Ian asked, coming up from behind.
"A snail. Crossing the road." He stooped down next to me.
"How long do you think it will take?" Ian wanted to know.
"About a month and a half," I estimated, looking from end to end of the parking lot. He was crossing the long way.
We watched for a minute and continued to the beach.
On our way home, Ian took off running. Climbing up over the dunes, I caught sight of him stooped by the snail, singing, "Don't stop believing."
