The Storm
He stands there at the bow of the small boat, his hands loosely gripping at the railing as his eyes scan the horizon. The same eyes that were so full of hope and life when he first began this journey seem so dull now. Glazed over - jaded by what they’ve seen, the things he’s experienced. He leans slightly forward, looking into the dark blue ocean; it seems so calm. He gazes skyward, dark clouds gather above him as lightning sparks and thunder crashes in the distance. He snickers, considering the irony that surrounds him.
Something wet lands on his cheek and he closes his eyes, feeling his memories rush back in a torrent of sounds and colors, blurring around him as the rain picks up. He feels a mist across his face, and he opens his eyes in time to see waves rush over the bow of the ship; his eyes that were so empty, now full of fear, so alive. He’s pulled over into the water that once was blue, but is now blood-red. He struggles to stay afloat, but he’s battered by wave after wave, the rain pelting down onto him as he slowly sinks.
Deeper and deeper… bubbles emerging from his mouth and nose as he’s crushed alive. He gasps. The liquid fills his mouth, entering his lungs. He continues to struggle, trying to prove to himself and what forces that may be that he deserves to live. He makes his way up to the surface, fighting the invisible forces that have their grip on him. Fear grabs him by the throat and holds him from reaching the top, mere inches from the air. He shuts his eyes tight, and breaks free of the chilling grip and surfaces; gasping for air… coughing up the red liquid that was in his lungs.
The storm dies down, the intensity of the rain lessening to a mere drizzle as he looks to the sky for some sign of acknowledgement; waiting for his prize. The rain ends, and the clouds part; a single ray of sunlight breaking free and basking him in its warmth, and he smiles. He climbs back onto the boat and starts its engine, making his way back, once again considering the irony of the situation. He had left to sea to die, and instead renewed his will to live.