as I stand alone on the docks, that little nagging feeling, the one that has wormed its way around my spine and deep into my gut, becomes real concern. it's not that i'm afraid he won't show. since when does a male, any male, stand me up? and it's not that I have too many belongings packed.. just this little satchel holding a few mementoes; personal treasures. slender fingertips reach, then find, the golden heart-shaped locket dangling from my neck. "Louisa.." i whisper to myself, as the gray haze of evening turns to black.

the lull is broken by the barely audible toll of some distant bell, rhythmically ringing as waves slap against the dock pilings.

"Alexander, where are you?" i complain to myself, annoyed. he promised me a ship before daybreak. i simply must reach Crete.

the hollow echoing peal of that bell starts to perturb me. shifting my weight from one foot to the other, i begin to hum myself a tune from my youth, passing the time. almost surprising myself.. i can remember all the words; hear my beautiful aunt singing them to me and cousin Louisa, rocking us to sleep. comforting thoughts, now. maybe i'll just take a seat right here. Alexander should be along in a bit.

slipping off my sandals. cradling them in my lap, rocking back and forth. dangling my legs down over the dock's edge. swinging my feet, in time to the waves, the song.. that infernal bell!

nodding. nodding.

SPLASHED.

a hearty laugh. "Woman, what are you doing there, asleep on the docks? Don't you know there are thieves down here at night?"