I woke up thinking "it's gonna be a great day." I have since learned that usually the day following that sentence is usually a horrible one.
It was my birthday. The only day that my dad had time for me. We lived on a small island in packsha. My dad was a good friend of the king. He's usually was away on business, but never on my birthday. He always shows up early in the morning, and always brings me exotic gifts from far away. One for each birthday. This year I would get 17.
I run down the stairs and find Patrick. He is standing right where my father stands. He looks distressed.
"Winston" he says. He lets out a sigh of relief. "Your alright"
"Yeah, is everything okay?"
says Patrick "we have just received word that your father's ship has been captured by the centeas.
This sent a chill through me, packsha had been with war with centa for years, but they have never been so dramatic. They have never taken anyone.
"We believe that it is not safe for you to stay here" Patrick explained. "We have prepared a ship to take you to the mainland to stay with the king."
"You think he would just let me in?" I asked
"Your father was good friends with the king. When we Carla told him, he asked for you to come."
And so it was decided. I was going to see the king.
I climbed the stairs with mixed feelings. My dad was missing. I was going to see the king. There would be no presents. I got to go on a boat.
Thoughts raced through my head, as I packed my clothes. I didn't know how long I would be gone. I grabbed the things I needed, and then I grabbed the picture of my mom. It was the only thing I ever cared about.
She was the only person who actually loved me.
Carla once told me that my dad only allowed me to stay was because my mother would never forgive him if he sent me away.
I believe her. The only day he ever talks to me was on me birthday. Instead he pays people like Patrick and Carla to take care of me.
I slammed my suitcase closed and dragged it down the stairs.
Patrick escorted me out to the faded blue boat. That was my dad's favorite. He never used it for business. It was once named sea lover, but now it was named Marra, after my mother.
On the deck, I dropped my stuff and went looking for a basin. Carla has taught me how to use one.
"Use the salt." She would say. "More than the ocean, but enough that you can taste it."
Now as I Salted the water, my hands were shaking and I dropped the salt holder into the water.
I sighed.
I guess there would be no talking to Carla today.
I always talk to Carla. She is like my grandma. She's the one who does most of the taking care of me.
I wish she could be here now, but Patrick says that she is waiting for a random.
It calms me that they think he is still alive. The centeas are a violent people.
I silently climb down the deck to my room.
I feel the ship tossing.
I hear the wind on the sails.
I smell and taste the salt in the air.
I see nothing as I close my eyes, and I can't help but think, my father and I could be in the same place on different ships.
No telling how far apart.
