Footprints on the Sea-Shore (From "Twice Told Tales")

"Footprints on the Sea-Shore (From 'Twice Told Tales') by Nathaniel Hawthorne" is an essay from the early to mid-1800s, during a time of imagination in America, that focuses on discovering a bond with nature and being alone. The story dives into thinking deeply about yourself, how quickly life changes, and the happiness that comes from being by yourself. The storyteller goes on a solo trip to the beach, promising to lose themselves in nature's beauty and shut out the noise of the world. Walking along the beach, they watch how the waves and land interact, thinking about what footprints in the sand mean, and digging into their feelings about where they are. Seeing shorebirds, realizing how simple it is to be happy in nature, and playfully engaging with their own shadow highlight the storyteller's rich inner thoughts and philosophical ideas. The day ends with an unexpected connection with a group of fishermen, reminding the storyteller that even when you're alone, being with others and sharing experiences is something you can't resist.