Castaway// Lashton

Three

Another morning. I start to hide my sadness but then remember I don't have to. It's just me, my thoughts, and the animals.

I sigh and lie on my bed a while longer. I don't want to get up. But I have a routine and it's the only stable thing I have at this point.

I gather the minimal strength I have and get up. My legs tremble a bit. Crying is exhausting. The muscles of my arms and legs were sore and stiff.

I was curled into a ball all night while I slept. My back was a little sore and my neck hurt if I turned it too far left or right.

I went out and stripped of my clothes. The sea water was a little warmer today. It helped relax some of my muscles. I stay close to the shore and just float.

The sun felt like it was searing my skin. I went under to cool off a bit and decided to climb out. I dried off with my discarded clothing and went back to my cave.

I grab my herbal salve and rub it on my sun dried skin. I felt like a piece of overcooked bread, dry and cracked.

I lie back down and try not to dream of my old life.

Athena stood there in all of her glory. Dark hair pinned back and brilliant white robe on. I bow before her.

"Luke, son of the Titan Andrew, rise." I stood up but dared not to meet her eyes.

"You have been punished long enough. You may go home."

My eyes snapped open. A sigh escaped me and I closed them again. Another cruel dream. Thank you, Zeus. I stretch and step outside.

Apollo was almost done with his journey and Artemis was just about to start hers. In less than an hour the sun was gone and the stars and moon shining brightly in the sky.

Times like this almost made me forget my loneliness. Almost. Because when I look at the stars I remember Agathe and her love for them and how she was the only star in my sky.

I sigh and look out at the blue black water. The gentle crashing of the waves puts me at peace. Then that peace was broken.

Something small and white drifting on the water caught my attention. "What in the name of Zeus?" I came out of the entrance to my home and squinted.

"No, it's a reflection. Or a fish or something" I said skeptically. But it was getting closer. "It can't be." The object got closer to the barrier.

I close my eyes as I saw a wave rising up. The boat would be crushed if it hit the wall. Turn around. Turn around.

I hoped the boat would turn back. But it got closer and closer. The wave came crashing down as the boat hit the shield.

I clenched my eyes shut. The wave roiled a bit more smashing the boat to pieces before calming. Small white pieces floated in the water just outside the barrier.

A tear rolled down my cheek. "I'm so sorry." I whisper to the passengers. "I am so very sorry." No one could have survived that wave. My mouth went dry.

I ducked back into my house and took down a jar of wine. It wasn't the best tasting but it sure has some punch to it. I gulped down a few big swallows then put the jar back on its shelf.

I let out a burp and then decided to go back to sleep. I tried to force the images of the boat crash out of my mind but my dreams wouldn't let me.

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Another sucky chapter! Fun fact: I've been writing an English report for four hours straight! My butt hurts! Whelp...I guess I'll go. I love you guys!