So we're on the beach, tide kind of high, when suddenly, in the surf line, black and round and shiny, a seal.

We stop and watch a while, smile and wave and say hello, then move on.

And so does he. (She?) Follows us as we head up the beach on our evening walk.

And I'm thinking, cool, the seal can see me, nature girl, and we're communicating.

Magic, right?.

Until I turn my head a bit, see what, black and round and shiny, the seal was actually looking at, was keeping pace with all along.

Le sigh.