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“Captain! The storm is too dangerous! We must find land immediately!” a sailor screamed over the howling winds, grasping onto the rails for dear life. Waves rose, towering over the small vessel and came crashing down onto the deck. Sailors scattered, rushing down below to safety. The Captain stood at the wheel, firmly grounded on the rocking ship. “Captain! We can’t go any further or else we’ll capsize. Please, let’s find a place to dock for the night!” “No! I don’t have any more time. She’s waiting for me!” he barked, directing his crew with waving arms. Sheets of rain poured down in obstructing walls of opaque white, blinding the crew, limiting them to only a meager ten centimeter radius of sight. Thunder clapped, resonating in their ears as a flash of light illuminated the dark sky, highlighting the sailors’ ashen faces. After several days and nights stuck in the never-ending storm, the burly crewmen were weathered and worn down to beings similar to that of a newborn kit. Weak and restless, all they prayed for was solid ground, to land safely and wait out the storm. They wanted to return to their families safe and in one piece, but it seemed like their Captain had other plans. Three months. Three months, I have been on my quest. Three months, I have travelled the world. Three months, I have missed you dearly. And now, after three months, I shall sail to keep my promise, to return to you. Even if the water gods are against me, I shall not give up. My dear Bessie, wait for me. I’m almost home, and no storm shall stand in my way. The waves continued to rain down on the poor ship and crew, soaking the already drenched surfaces. Winds whipped the sails out of their lines and they dangerously unraveled, sending the boat into all directions as the cloths caught onto the sporadic gales. The men grabbed hold of any battened down objects in hopes of not getting thrown overboard by the sudden jerking. Sadly, not all were safe for some unfortunate souls toppled over the rails, their desperate cries for help lost amongst the roaring waters. Only the winds could hear their pleas, doing them one last “good” deed by carrying their voices away to haunt their unsuspecting families on land. “Captain! Please spare us our lives! We must find land before we all meet our doom. I’m begging you!” His second in command stumbled up the slippery steps, tripping over his feet as he threw himself onto the Captain’s leg in distress. “I know you want to see her, but don’t do this to yourself and to your men. We all want to see our wives and families, too! We want to see them as humans, alive and breathing. If you push this any further, they’ll see our souls in their dreams. Stop while you can! Spare what lives are still left on this ship, please?!” “No! I promised her! WE CAN’T STOP NOW. I MUST SEE HER TONIGHT!” “WE MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE BY THE NEXT HOUR IF YOU CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY THROUGH HELL!” Burning with anger, the Captain kicked his skipper and spun the wheel to the left, dodging the growing waves. I can’t stop now. We’re almost there. I need to see my Bessie! He steered the boat through the dark waters, shielding the downpour as best as he could with a soaked arm. Left and right, he spun the wheel, skillfully maneuvering the vessel past the impending currents. The squall was not backing down. In fact, the rain came down heavier than before, creating a thick wall of whiteness. A stark contrast to the pitch black starless sky, the white showers blanketed everything, obscuring the entire boat and its surroundings. Even grasping onto the steering wheel became a labored task as it constantly slipped out of his hands, disappearing from his vision into the thick rain droplets. “Captain!” The boat swerved dangerously through the currents and over a towering wave. Time seemed to have stopped as the boat free fell into the water. The bow dipped below the surface, disappearing for a couple of suffocating seconds as the stern hung above the water. The sudden descent caused the Captain to crash into the wheel, knocking the breath out of him. Men scrambled to hold on as the ship began to tip over, leaving them hanging by their fingertips. No! I can’t end this way. We can’t end this way! The Captain screamed into the rain, anger and frustration echoing into the darkness. And then, silence.