When I looked into her eyes I saw fire and turquoise, vast as the ocean on which we swam. I knew then that she would make it, but doubted that I would be a witness.
Our boat disappeared while we explored the reef, scampering over the waves as we surfaced, like a flimsy memory of a dream receding to the horizon.
For a moment I believed her that an island was there. But then she always had better vision, and we were both accustomed to my deference.
It seemed that all she really wanted was reassurance that we could touch land, but I could not, for reasons I regret, give her false hope.
As the sun from its brilliant escape illuminated an island, I realized my disbelief weighed like an anchor on us both.
I waited until she was nearly there. The darkness hid my final betrayal as I surrendered.
Struggle picture is courtesy of Pixabay.
