*Anne*
The pain is excruciating, almost unbearable. I knew it would be, I braced for it, but being here, right here, it's shredding me to pieces. I had anticipated it, but reality has a cruel knack of exceeding expectations.
I knew he would be there for me, the captain. Just like how he was during that dreadful storm, when sickness ravaged me. He was my anchor, my relief.
If I had brought Martha she would try to console me too, but her frail form lacks the reassuring strength I crave.
The captain, he is different. There is a solidness about him, an unyielding firmness. His large, weather-beaten hands trace their way across my back, my arms, infusing me with a sense of security.
He holds me until my tears run dry, until the sobs subsides into quiet whimpers. Then, he guides me along
