A line from the song ‘Cool Change’ repeats in my head. ‘I was born in the sign of water, it’s there that I feel my best, the Albatross and whales they are my brothers …..’
It’s true, I love the water, the freedom, the open expanse lets a person breathe. I have a little internal chuckle with that thought as we bob up and down with the waves. At evening, the contrast of stars cast their ethereal light against the black sheet of night while hovering above the dark waters, this is heaven
I’m tired, the lifestyle I had is for the young and foolish, when we are indestructible, invincible and the world is ours for the taking. I’m in the regret phase of life.
Glancing up I see my wife standing there, our eyes meet, and I feel a pang within my heart that attracted me to her years ago. No one could have asked for a better wife, or life.
Except the regret.
I worked too many hours, telling myself it was for us, she tolerated my absence, knowing that even when I was there my mind was not. Yet she never blamed or abandoned me. Our life was not what we planned, now it‘s my turn to make it up to her. I promised I would retire this year and stayed true to my word. The rest of our lives will be for her, the two of us forever.
This day has been too long coming, she stood by my decision to sail down the west coast then on to Hawaii. A compromise of sort, She wished to fly to the Islands I wanted to sail there. She isn’t comfortable on the vast expanse of the ocean, while I revel in the freedom. We’ve done short excursions in the past, which she agreed was enjoyable. It is the long voyage she worries about. I held her and said, by the time we reach our destination, she will be a true sailor.
Starting from Seattle we follow a south westerly route to catch the prevailing trade winds which start around Panama. We stop to take on supplies before heading west to paradise. My chest tightens with pride as I watch her interact with every stray dog and child in every port. They laugh with joy and excitement while tagging along with her, she’s a natural mother.
We never had children of our own, another regret.
The weather is perfect, the days are full, and work is hard, but I find it exciting. Tired as I feel tonight, we sit together, wine, food, conversation. I feel love pulsing through my heart while gazing into her eyes.
Those beautiful eyes.
Another regret is that I failed to recognize the signs for what they were. Suddenly my chest tightens once more, pain shooting down my left arm. I realize too late. The light I hoped to live in, soon fades into darkness.
‘I was born in the sign of water ……’
About the Creator
JBaz
I have enjoyed writing for most of my life, never professionally.
I wish to now share my stories with others, lets see where it goes.
Born and raised on the Canadian Prairies, I currently reside on the West Coast. I call both places home.
Comments (21)
This felt like a life condensed into such few words - skillfully done!
Well-wrought! I saw a meme recently, which said: "The only ones who will care you worked all that overtime are your kids." Thought of my own pop, bless his soul. This line here: "the contrast of stars cast their ethereal light against the black sheet of night" A piece of poetry there, just kind of jutting out from the prose like an interesting something bobbing in and out of the waves!
Did not see that coming! 🤯
One of my former Florida neighbors died today. She was 1 month younger than me so this story has a special meaning. Congrats on your leaderboard placement, Jason.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This was unexpectedly sad, Jason! But I loved it!! Congrats on honourable mention this week!!
Oh no. That was such a sad ending. Sometimes this scares me most... running out of time to do things, because I put them off. What a fantastic entry. Good luck.
The book-ending with the song lyrics was a masterful stroke! The final bit gave me goosebumps! A very sad and shocking end! Well done, Jason!
Well, crap. I'll say, I'm so happy not to be his wife...
So well written with a shocking end. This happens a lot. I just got an idea for a story sitting here trying to start one. Thanks. Great story.
Oh my, imagine thinking you're finally gonna do something right but you die. That was so unexpected. I feel so sorry for his wife. Loved your story!
Nice work
Oh no. Leaving things too late only to expire. Damn.
Oh wow, I hope it happened ashore and she called the ambulance that was quick enough. Great story, Jason!
And she gets to try & navigate the rest of the way on her own. (Unless she thinks to use the radio to call for help.)
Very well written.
I love how the story concludes with a haunting line from a song, "I was born in the sign of water," emphasizing the profound connection between life, love, and the sea.
This is a moving story, and you constructed a plausible and poignant little world in exactly 500 words! Nicely done, JBaz!
Love that song (LRB ❤️) your story was so real. I could’ve believed it was factual. Great job fantastic writing.
Oof! A masterfully crafted tale, my friend! Harsh ending, of course, but all too possible, and let me say that, to a heart patient, it hits hard! Incredibly well done, JB!
Damn. That ending. Everything about this sums up why I love your writing, though. You take us there, you make us feel everything, good and bad. I'd say I loved this, but that ending. I do love it, though.