The Jewel of Atlantis (Ateez FF)

Chapter 20

 The next day flew by.

After my little talk with Hongjoong I needed a moment to myself, and couldn't bring myself to look at any of the guys the same. So I stuck to stealing Wooyoung's typical job of choice, and stayed in the crow's nest after my change of clothing. Yunho didn't ask any questions which I appreciated, but he did give me his doctorly look of concern the entire time.

Yet, I couldn't bring myself to ask. To see for myself if the black dot was on him, or what his thoughts about it were.

So even when the night came, and all of the supplies were boarded on the ship, I stayed in the crows nest as the ship sailed off. Enjoying the fresh breeze that made my hair dance around my face. The little strands tickled my face and almost made me forget about the tears that had already begun streaming down my face.

No one deserved this fate.

And even though I had told Hongjoong that I didn't expect an explanation I knew deep down I would never truly be okay with it until I knew. Yet, I just knew that if I found out I probably wouldn't be able to focus.

I can barely get my head over the fact that I don't know where my dad is. Every time he does something like this I can't help but worry about his whereabouts. Especially after my mom passed. I've been attached to his hip, so leaving him alone scares me.

My mom died by herself. In a house while I was at my aunts. My dad was on his journey, and I was taken away to avoid having to see her like that. Yet, in response to this, it meant that she'd have to die alone in a house we all called home. Our neighbors would find her dead. No idea how long she had been like that, and I can't help but remember the look on my father's face when he had finally come to get me.

The way he couldn't meet my eyes, and cried into my aunt's chest.

The way his tears stained his cheeks, and the way his eyes locked onto mine.

He had fallen apart in the small moments and I remember my little heart beating so rapidly. My little head telling me that something wasn't right, that this wasn't how it was supposed to be happening. That my dad doesn't cry, my dad doesn't fall apart.

My dad is my everything, he is my rock, the person I can depend on. A person I will forever look up to, a person I could never turn my back on.

And all I wanted right now was for him to be standing beside me telling me what to do. What he would do. Pointing out what I did wrong, and making sure I knew why it was in a way that didn't make me feel inferior.

I wanted him to give me a hug and pat my back to tell me that everything is okay.

But he's not here, and now I have to deal with two big questions and problems.

Where the hell is my father?

And.

Making sure I get this group of men get what they need to survive.

It may be hard, but in the end I'll make it work. So with a heavy sigh I relaxed my hand on the railing in front of me and wiped off some stray tears on my cheeks. I'll be okay, and it'll all work out.

"Just Breathe." I mumbled to myself as I stared out into the ocean.

The ocean moved like time.

It didn't stop for anyone, and wouldn't any time soon.

My hands found my ring on my finger. Glancing down I watched as I played with it. Twirling the piece of silver around my pointer finger with ease. It was smooth, and unlike most pieces of jewelry I have, I never lost it. The little octopus tentacle was identical to that of the map, and the compass.