The Waves by Alexandra Helms (Nora Roberts Young Writers Institute)

“GIVE HER BACK,” the girl shouted. “Give her back to me!”

The waves continued to lap against the shoreline, oblivious to her pleas. The girl screamed against the consistent pounding noise. It made no difference. The current does not give back what it washes away. The sea does not care if you live or die. It has endured since the beginning–ancient creatures lurking in its endless depths of night. There is greater mystery in the abyss than the whole of the universe. And one pale, bloated corpse beating against a coral reef is the least of the horrors lurking under its surface.

Alexandra Helms is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Literature at UNC-Asheville, and is training to teach English at the high school level. Her poetry has appeared in UNCA’s literary magazine, Headwaters. She is interested in writing literary fiction, fantasy, and horror. She has also attended the Nora Roberts Young Writers Institute in Maryland.