Maybe you have some old unresolved guilty feelings you are avoiding. The other people digging in the sand could possibly even represent the PC community or maybe a support group, all searching their subconscious, but a part of you is holding yourself back (the missing/dead friend).

The fact that you thought this friend is gone could mean you thought you worked through the defensive shield that holds you back from addressing change, but its back, trying to discourage you from uncovering your true feelings.