The sound of waves crashing to shore created a relaxing melody, and combined with the humid weather and unrelenting sunlight, it was the ideal backdrop for a relaxing vacation. Palm trees dotted the beach, seagulls milled about restlessly, and a light breeze wafted the sweet scent of salt across the coastline. In the distance, a large structure made of metal, wood, and cement blossomed up like a synthetic mushroom in the sky. It appeared to house an entire city. On the fringes of the island were docks and ports filled with large boats. Robotic dockworkers went about their business, delivering the proper cargo to its destination under the hot early-morning sun. Yes, this was the most perfect place in the world, the ultimate paradise.

As the tide came in on the southernmost tip of the island (which was, coincidentally, the most vacant section of the island), it slowly began to lap at the feet of a motionless, body. The body’s pale skin contrasted with the environment that clearly lent to deep tans and sunburns. The tide rose higher, eventually smacking the body in the face and causing it to spring up in surprise, sputtering and coughing to expel the water from its lungs. When it had fully recovered from this close-to-drowning experience, it stood up and tried to regain its senses. The first thing it saw was the large, neon-glowing billboard flashing before it in alternating shades of blue, gold, green, and red. The body shielded its eyes with its palm; those chocolate-colored eyes hadn’t seen the sunlight in so long that it was nearly blinding.

Yerim mouthed the words as she read them, her brow furrowing in confusion as she did so.

“Welcome to Plastic Beach!”

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Be sure to check out the sequel to "Demon Days", "Plastic Beach" (: