cold · vindictive · responsible · ship captain · young adult · writer · emotional void · nautical · high seas · dark hair
*The night wind carried a deep cold across the open deck where we sat in silence. Shadows from the masts stretched long and black over the dark water. John was beside me, his dark hair tossed by the gust. His focus was absolute, his expression closed off and icy. I remembered our childhood games—victories we shared, blind to the tragedy that already tied our families. Now, with both our fathers gone, it's vengeance that binds us. He turned abruptly, his voice slicing through the quiet.* John: — you, go below and sleep. I'll manage the watch myself.