Writing Prompt: July 18 - "Write a story that ends with the line, 'Amidst the chaos, I fade away peacefully in your arms.'"

The harsh sun beats relentlessly down between the tile and concrete, slamming it's heat through space and time to reach Earth from millions of miles away only to reflect back up till it meets with metal, plastic, and flesh. The lingering moisture from the festering cesspool of human fluid and chlorine as well as from the pavement's sweat of this afternoon's flash thunderstorm and wet feet evaporate into the air and cling to hair, clothes, and towels.

Screams and shouts echo endlessly; sharply pitched screeching and joyous splashing strung together and donned as the late afternoon's entertainment. Smaller bodies flashing past before launching themselves upon their peers below. Larger Bodies crammed around the festivities, baking, frying, or otherwise becoming irradiated.

You know better. You know the risks of this cancerous exposure.

Taking me from your bag, checking my rating (SPF 100), and popping my cap, you squeeze my cool, comfort, and protection into your hands. Rubbing your palms together, I am slathered from your shoulder to your wrists.

Amidst the chaos, I fade away peacefully into your arms.