The Islands
Water gently lapped against the hull of the ferry. Each small approaching wave seemed to attempt the same feat as the last, pushing it’s full weight against the mass of steel, only to retreat again just as the previous one had. They marched in a seemingly endless cycle - back and forth between the hull of the vessel and the shoreline.
A few lone gulls soared overhead, occasionally calling out as if engaged in a casual conversation. One of them approached the nearest pylon, flared, and set down gracefully. It ruffled its feathers and looked about - its inquisitive eyes searching for any morsels of food that might still be left on the ferry deck below.
The boat was about 50% loaded with cars and people when it fired up the twin diesel engines. The reverberations elicited a startled squawk from the gull. It opened its wings wide and stepped off the pylon soaring southward over the open water. The waterline of the vessel sprung to life, breaking the cycle of waves, sending the liquid into a frenzied dance.
The vessel engaged its propeller causing bubbles to erupt from under the stern of the boat. The massive surge of water slammed into the shoreline providing the much needed thrust for the giant vessel to ease out of the slip.
The ferry followed the channel out of the small harbor and turned eastward. Rounding the point, it set a course for the mainland and pushed full steam ahead. The gulls followed close behind watching for any small fish that might get caught in the dizzying wake left from the ferry’s engines.
A small fishing boat fell in behind the ferry - returning from another day at sea. It too had its own small flock of birds circling - perhaps with better prospects of grabbing a bite to eat. A group of people had gathered at the stern of the ferry, their eyes cast over the beauty of the evening.
As the sun moved downwards, the sky lit up into a spectacular display of color. Reds, oranges, and yellows burst from the sun. The group grew to a small crowd as words of wonder were shared among the privileged people. After a time, the crowd dwindled as people returned to the warmth of the ferry.
A young couple remained the longest. They stood against the railing, smiling and stealing glances at each other while taking in the last bits of light the evening had to offer. The young lady pushed up onto her tippy toes and gave the man a gentle kiss on the cheek. Her eyes gleamed in the suns rays - a reflection of both the world and the joyous occasion. They both laughed, and turned back towards the sea.
A second ferry came into view on the port side, headed in the opposite direction. It sparkled like a gem - the brightly lit decks casting a warm glow on the water around it. The couple watched as it made its way out toward the islands they had just departed from.
The second vessel was gone almost as quickly as it had come. It’s lights disappeared among the clustered islands, just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The colors persisted for a time before they too, waned, and disappeared all together. Another day had gone. The young couple retired to the interior of the ferry, content with what they had witnessed.
