Lightning shattered the sky, and thunder crashed in answer. His feet slid on the drenched boards as he stumbled across the deck of his small boat, grasping at wet ropes. The angry water seethed, trying to shake him into its grasp as the little boat dove and tilted over the dark waves. He fumbled with the release for the anchor, blinded by stinging rain. The rope whirred and snapped taut, a single cord straining against the rage of the storm. He scrambled for a handhold as the boat pitched dangerously.
After thirty years, he should’ve known the sea was too placid that morning when he loosed the moorings and sailed into the bay. The water winked and sparkled under the sun, luring him unaware into its arms. Then the sky turned dark and unleashed her cold fury.
He pulled himself against the wall of the cabin and slid to a seat. Saltwater stung his eyes and soaked through his thick sweater. He hid his face against the rough wood, knees to his chest, curling up until he was a child again, hiding while the tempest of his father’s wrath raged through the house.
Continue reading “The Tempest”
Tiny Tales 