The Lighthouse Siren

The link Chapter 11

I wake slowly and look around. Something is definitely off. Everything is in black and white. What the heck is going on?

Also, I seem to be wearing an old sailor suit, and I'm carrying a heavy treasure chest to a dubious looking old schooner. I'm pretty sure this thing is past it's prime, and not at all confident this thing should be on the water!

I move through a storm that is raging. At least that is the same... Although I'm not sure that's a good thing. I don't feel awkward or anything, even though I'm not sure this is my skin... Or maybe it is. It certainly feels familiar, just like it hasn't been used in a while, like a pair of old jeans.

I look over my shoulder as I reach the gang plank. I try to shout loud enough to be heard over the in coming storm.

"I'm sorry, Elaine! I will come back!" I promise.

I can see the tears in her eyes from here. Her eyes shine like emeralds and it breaks my heart. I'd give anything to be able to comfort her right now.

She makes a mad dash to the door leading up to the lamp. What's she doing?

I sigh and march right up to the Skipper.

"Chief Petty Officer David reporting for duty, Sir. Permission to come aboard?" I ask.

"Granted. Welcome aboard. Secure the treasure over by the crates on the starboard side," he orders.

"Aye, aye, Sir." 

I turn and march over to the crates. I notice a length of rope attached to the deck, so I tie the cursed chest to the boat. I'm just glad to be rid of the blasted thing.

I sigh and turn back to look for my wife. I love that word. But all I can see is the lighthouse. Where did she go?

My eyes dart up to the lamp, and there she is. Just coming out onto the catwalk.

Why is she up there? She could get hurt. It's safer in our little cottage.

Rain pelts my already soaking body. I can't wait to get out of these clothes. The fabric chafes every time I move.

I look into those beautiful eyes and remind myself it will all be worth it. In less than 2 weeks we will be given out "honeymoon." Basically, we get some alone time without me having to check in every hour.

Instantly shock and despair mar her face. She reaches out for me, like she is trying to stop me but can't reach me in time. And I know, something is coming for me.

Not now! It can't be my time to go. I look directly into my wife's eyes. I will find you, my love.

From the corner of my eye I see a giant wave coming up from behind me. All I hear is silence, like the storm is holding it's breath. Cold fear tingles up my spine. But before I can even turn around, lightning strikes my wife in the heart, and she collapses; and my world  turns upside down. Literally. 

The schooner capsizes. The wave carries us up to the lighthouse stack, cracking the boat. I feel us being pulled under the water, as all the air escapes the boat. My body gets caught up in the undertow, pulling me down with the ship.

My lungs burn with the little air I have left. It's not worth the pain to fight it. My heart is already broken, what is the point of a few more moments of life?

I willingly release the last of my breath and inhale the water deeply. Best to get this over with quickly. 

Pain... All I can feel is pain.

Suddenly, everything slows down. My eyes go fuzzy. There is a buzzing and heavy pressure in my ears. My body sags and feels weighed down. My heart slows to a stop.

But now I feel a certain  lightness. I can't feel the cold anymore. The pressure on my lungs is gone. The buzzing has stopped. I sigh with relief, even though I am aware I don't need to breath at all.

With some detachment, I watch as my body sinks lower into the abyss. 

Now I can go find Elaine! Now we can be together!

All of a sudden, glowing cuffs form around my wrists, keeping me from going back up to Elaine! What's going on? This is nothing like Heaven or even Hell. I've never heard of this... unless it's purgatory. But again, Why?

Panic is rising and I struggle to pull against my chains. I need to get back to her! But for all my strength, I can't pull away. The chains are dragging me back to something on the boat. The harder I fight, the stronger the tug.

What could be so important that I'm stuck on the bottom of the ocean forever?

Finally, I reach the end destination the cuffs have forced me to. And there it is, like a golden ball and chain connected to my cuffs. That DAMNED TREASURE CHEST!

Will I be tied to this unholy abomination for all eternity?

All I want to do is go back to Elaine... Crushing despair envelops my very being. How am I supposed to survive down here forever, knowing I will never see my love again?

How am I ever going to fulfil my promise?