The sea

Tracey watched the waves crash on the rocks below from her cliff top vantage point. It all seemed so serene, yet each crash of the waves brought worry to her heart, a reminder of its power as well as beauty. She cleared her mind of such thoughts and focused only on what mattered, this picture she had promised him, that last night they had spent together.

Within an hour the once blank paper was now covered in broad strokes, portraying her emotions better than she herself could have done with words; had she been free to do so. With him gone she felt so alone, so vulnerable. She shook her head and picked up another stick of pastel, resuming her work. A faint smile crossed her face, lighting it up like a beacon, he had suggested this medium to her, had brought them back as a gift, they connected her to him as much as the sea, his ever present mistress, did.

The wind, as if determined to ruin her mood, picked up it’s pace. Clouds, once mere dots on the horizon, scurried forth to block the sun’s light. Her golden hair whipped about her as though suddenly given life of its own. Packing up swiftly she loaded up the small trap, giving the pony a playful tug on his ears as she passed it. “There will be a treat for you tonight, Jenna, ” she whispered to the patient animal, as she began the journey home.

The rain started after ten minutes, so hard it hurt her skin when it struck, until finally she felt nothing.

Rounding the last bend of the cliff top path Tracey felt relief flood her as the old brick stable loomed into sight. Just beyond it lay the house, she would soon be dry and warm.

“We have a visitor, Ma’am,” Martin, the old stable master said, taking hold of Jenna’s reins, “from the Admiralty.” He added softly.

Tracey’s heart moved to her throat as she approached the old grey house, their home these last ten years. The rest was a blur. The young lieutenant in his best uniform for the occasion had been polite, sympathetic even, as he spoke of honour and duty. Beyond her lover, Ian, being dead she heard none of it. She just sat in numb silence, tears coursing down her pale cheeks.

Tracey watched the waves crash on the rocks below, this time she knew she would not be going back.