Seasons of Infinity

2. Harbor

     "Thank God it's over," I thought to myself as I walked out of the classroom. "Now I can rest, at least before work tomorrow." 

     Looking around, I couldn't find a trace of either Tyler or Rose, so I decided to go home. I was exhausted, anyway. Instead of taking my usual route though, I decided to walk the longer way - through the harbor and then the market. As I was making my way down Dock 4, where all the smaller boats would jetty, the vista of seagulls and sunset was broken by the shadowed silhouette sitting by the water. It was Rose. Intrigued, I walked up to her and decided to try another, hopefully more agreeable, interaction.

     "Hey, Rose. Didn't expect to see you here," I began as I stopped beside her. "Mind if I take a seat?" 

     "Well, you really shouldn't expect much from somebody you just met today," she quipped, scooting over to her right to make room for me.

     "True enough, I suppose," I replied indifferently. "But seriously, why are you here?"

     "None of your business."

     Having been vexed enough, I finally snapped, "Hey, why are you acting so damn stuck up? All day I've been trying to act all friendly to you, and all day you've been cold like a motherfucker. Seriously. What's your problem?"

     She turned silent, her eyes directing to the water.

     "I'm sorry," I said. "I shouldn't have snapped like that."

     "No, I'm sorry. You're right.  I've just been off today. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

     "Look, don't worry about it," I answered. "Can we just start over? We've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot."

     "Yeah, I'd like that."

     Letting out a large sigh of relief, I restarted, "Why are you hanging around the harbor?"

     "Well," she began, "My mom used to take me to the docks back in Avery. We'd always go there whenever I was sad. Guess it just became a habit. There's just something in the water that I find...calming."

     "Used to?" I inquired. "Did she stop?"

     Her eyes darkened. Her tone grew heavy.

     "In a way, I guess she did."

     "In a way? What do you even-"

     "She died."

     "Shit," I blurted. "I'm sorry."

     "No," she answered. "It's okay. You didn't know. But if it's alright with you, can we just drop this?"

     "Of course."

     "Thanks. Well anyway, I should be getting home now. It's getting dark."

     Feeling less than enthusiastic about this conversation's drastic turn, I offered to walk her home.

     "No, it's fine. I got it," she smiled as she got up and began to walk away. "But thank you."

     After the run-in, I finally made my way back to my run-down apartment. Feeling drained, I collapsed into my bed, lost in thought at what Rose told me. As I drifted into the unconsciousness of sleep, my thoughts brought me back to my dream about that night - the night I lost everything.