The Cruise

“You are so useless,” John screamed at his wife Julia, who just sat there and took it as usual. Who knew why John was upset this time. He was never pleased. He wasn’t even happy out here in the middle of the ocean, even though this whole cruise had been his idea.

“Sorry John, I love you,” meekly replied Julia.

“Whatever,” John said brushing her off, “let’s go eat.”

“Ok,” said Julia. She was used to this by now. He had been this way since shortly after they got married. Always berating her, and sometimes hitting her. Although normally the abuse was just verbal.

The two had been on this cruise for two weeks and John had been insufferable. Even more so than normal. Even though he wanted to come on this cruise, he complained nonstop about the lines, the crowds, the food, the ocean, and pretty much everything else. And, as usual, every little thing that went wrong was somehow Julia’s fault.

But Julia wasn’t giving up hope. She hoped this cruise would fix all the issues in their marriage. And she was determined to be right. After this, she was sure John would never abuse her again.

The two had dinner at the fanciest restaurant on the ship. Everything was perfect. Of course, that didn’t stop John from complaining. And, as normal, he criticized Julia’s choice of food and, when he thought she had eaten too much, he turned to insulting her weight. But Julia, ever the optimist, was determined.

After dinner, Julia convinced John to accompany her to a secluded spot she had found near the main deck. Even though the two could hear the crowds nearby, this spot was just out of sight, offering some privacy. Julia figured this was the perfect spot to fix all the problems in her marriage. After this night, things would be perfect!

“John,” said Julia, “look out at the ocean! Isn’t it amazing?”

“Huh, oh ya, whatever.”

“I mean, it’s so large!”

“Ya sure.”

“And vast.”

“I get it it’s great.”

“No really, think of just how huge it is! I mean we have barely explored its depths. Also, so many things have fallen in to never be seen again.”

John just snorted and rolled his eyes.

The two looked over the railing at the vast and dark ocean that lay before them. The moon and stars were hidden behind clouds, making this night all the more dark. Julia had a smile on her face. John, as usual, looked pissed off.

“John,” said Julia as the two looked out at the ocean.

“What is it?” John rudely and dismissively asked.

“I wish I never met you.”

John’s face twisted in disgust and he began to open his mouth to berate his wife once more. But before he had a chance, Julia firmly pushed him against the railing, causing him to go over. He screamed as he plunged to the water below. Julia smirked for a very brief moment before also screaming to summon help, which she hoped would arrive too late.

Crew and passengers alike heard the screams and came to investigate. As they did they were greeted by a distraught looking Julia frantically shouting, “Please! Help save my husband! My dear husband fell over trying to look over the rail!”

The crew tried their best to save John, but it was hopeless. The night was too dark and the water too choppy. In the end, not even his body was recovered.

Julia played the part of the grieving widow, but at night, when she was all alone, she smiled. Knowing full well that only the unforgiving ocean knew of her dark secret.