Sam felt the sand beneath his fingers, warm and firm, a mini spa in his hands. He smiled softly as he added the final touches to the sandcastle, then sat back and admired the magical mansion glinting in the sun.

He ran happily to his family, laden with ice cream from the beach shop. The cold creamy taste massaged his throat. “Look what I made!” he cried in delight.

Sam turned, his smile dimming in disbelief. The sandcastle was gone. Tears pricked his eyes with cold confusion.

**

The Rose siblings flew around Gemstone Glade, spinning in the fountain then flying high over the trees.

“Look!” shouted Rose Ralph. “A sandcastle!”

Rose Ravenna swooped down, landing by the castle doors. “It’s beautiful!”

Rose Raquelle joined her. They flitted through the sand turrets, laughing.

“Where did it come from?” asked Rose Ralph as he joined them.

“Like everything in Gemstone Glade,” said Ravenna. “The lost and the looked for, the hearts that need healing, they all end up here.”

The fairies giggled, as they lay within the turrets and stared at the sky.

“This is bliss,” intoned Ravenna.

“But it’s not ours,” said Ralph. “Someone somewhere is missing this.”

Ravenna sighed. “You’re right. It’s time to weave our rose magic!”

They gathered round the castle, sending rays of rose quartz healing to it. “Return to your owner!”

**

Sam’s house slept under a summer night blanket, the moon high in the sky. Sam tossed and turned fitfully, then suddenly woke up. Had he heard a bell?

He put on the light and gasped.

His sandcastle was in the middle of his bedroom. And on top of each turret, shone a rose quartz crystal.

He laughed with delight, sleep forgotten like last year’s winter coat.

He thought he heard laughter, then all was silent. The house slept as he began to play.

Tomorrow could wait.

The rose quartz winked under the bedroom light, in secret collusion to stop time.  This special moment might last forever.

© Can Stock Photo / ia_64