The sea

The salty mist kisses my face as I stare off into the never-ending sea. The stern of the boat bobs up and down. Several of the men have fallen into sickness, their stomachs unworthy of the sea's movements. I go into the cabin where my father is commanding the boat. I've lived out at sea my entire life. After my mother passed away father was determined to follow his dream to be a fisherman. He looks out the salt stained window. His eyes have water bursting at the brims, so I know he is thinking of mother. I sneak out undetected so that he can grieve in peace. I go to the one place I feel I belong. A small hammock tied down at the front of the bow. Father used an old fishing net to make it. The diamonds are the size of my hands and it smells of fish, salt, and seaweed. I like it that way though. I jump up on the hammock and it swings back and forth. I giggle with beatitude. I lie down and listen to the sea. I feel it speaking to me. The wave's swooshing gives me comfort. The salty mist kisses me with amorousness. I start to drift off to a place I've never seen before. I hear laughter, singing, conversations of all sorts. The people wear beautifying attire and are draped in expensive jewels and gems. Their faces are powdered white with dark red lips. I look around and the people act as if they can't see me. I stand in front of a fine looking gentleman and wave my arms. To my surprise he walks right through me. I clench my stomach bracing for the pain, but none accrues. I start to fall through the floors and then I land with a splash. I gasp for air but find only water filling my lungs. I am not dreaming anymore. I hear shouts calling my name. The boat screams its nasty rhythm. I reach the surface and see my father's terrified face. I hear him shout something but I am pulled back into the water. My arms flail trying to grasp anything that will save me. I sink down, down, down. The layers of the ocean fade into a deep blue. I can see the warm light layer, but look around at the dark cold one I am in. The airy bubbles coming from my open lips are fewer and fewer. My throat tightens up and my eyes widen. I'm downing. I never thought that I would die like this, down at the bottom of the sea, fish nibbling at my bones, crabs pinching and tearing at my skin, ripping me into a million pieces. I look around with my last breath. I'm sinking into the middle of a putrid green kelp forest. I think back to my dream, to the people in the beautifying attire, with the expensive gems and jewels. To the laughter and mixed conversations. I remember my mother. I remember my father. Everything I have ever cared about or loved. I think about all the good times. I let one last bubble go as I drift away.