Conversation from the Inside Out

“It looks quite beautiful outside. Shall we venture out beyond the harbour today?”

“Looks can be deceiving. The wind could be stronger. You can’t tell from here.”

“Oh, don’t be such a scaredy cat. How often do we get the chance?”

“I remember once we got the chance. Almost got dismasted.”

“That was a longer trip. The weather changed.”

“And then we almost hit the whale.”

“We haven’t even seen a whale these past ten years.”

“Doesn’t mean we never will again.”

“Raymond, Raymond, I just want to get out in the open again.”

“Here. Here’s the keys. You go.”

“I don’t want to just motor. I want to raise sail. I need you for that.”

“That sheave might jam. I’d have to go up to the masthead again and get rolled around by the waves.”

“You know what I think? I think you really are getting old. Your own shadow makes you jump.”

“If it does, you and my shadow can hold the rope, and I’ll do the skipping.”

“Oh dear. Shall I put the kettle on then?”

“Yes. Let’s have tea on the dock and look out and pretend.”

“And hold hands?”

“If we must.”

“Very well then. I love you anyway.”

“Jessica, you’re very kind. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I’ll go make the tea. Please warm your hands. I don’t want to catch another chill.”

23 September 2026
Texas Jim
Prospect, Nova Scotia