It had begun to rain. Large drops of wetness splashed against the tangled mass of his glistening beard. He blinked as a drop had pattered against his eye, offering a feeble mask from the thick layer of tears that began to well within. With one final muster of strength, a well-placed boot upon the docks dislodged his ship from the harbor. The vessel rocked violently upon the stormy sea. Tired, aged and foggy irises continued to watch land, even as a large wave rose above the sides of the boat and filled the walkway with water.
His anchor was resting upon the docks, swiftly falling behind layers of low-hanging fog and walls of rain. A wrinkled hand adjusted a simple, faded cap resting upon a bald, flaky head. He made no motion to shield his face, even as sheets of icy rain flowed over his face and neck.
“We will take care of them, sir.”
The words had a dull, aching thump within his heart; an ache he had had the misfortune of living with for a very long time. The thought didn't paralyze him like it once had. He merely stood tall, completely at peace with himself and his current situation. Another, larger wave cascaded over the top of the hull, threatening his steadfast balance. His hand went to his chest, to an area he had dubbed sacred. Cool metal met his worn fingers as he gripped at the trinket hanging upon his neck. He gave it a tug, causing the flimsy chain clasp to break. The small, golden locket he had grown accustomed to bearing upon his body shimmered in the dim light, aided by the glisten of rain that clung to the material.
“We regret to inform you-”
“Marty, I never thought that-”
“Can't possibly have-”
Thoughts came in an unidentifiable, soupy mass that sloshed within his skull like the ebbing water that surrounded him. He cringed a bit as another swell rose above his ship and slammed into his legs. He bit down on his chapped lower lip as he brought himself to click open the small pendant. Two warm faces met his watery gaze, illuminating past that of the tiny space they were allotted.
“Kim.”
Uttering the name seemed to sap what little resistance the man had within himself. Although he stood at his full height, tears freely fell into his beard, mixed with the harsh wetness of the rain. He suddenly cried out feebly as water slammed into his body. The ship's front had begun to point downward, into the gray mass of ocean that loomed below. The locket left his grasp in the form of one, forceful throw. He fell to his knees as water began rushing into the rapidly descending skiff.
“You brought me to this!” he wailed through uncontrolled sobs, “I have nothing because of this! You took away everything from me!”
