A Sailing Story

Something around the bend

The captain was not sure his crew would be with him all the way. He knew something they did not. Memories haunted his mind, making him suspicious. There was a mystery in the literature of his mind, a story of mutiny in the nearby waters.
What could account for such a thing? Did the impulse come from the dark forests along the way. Or was it from dark hearts, too long at sea. But it was only that captain's dark heart that conjured up those thoughts.
He was the one with the mistrust, because it was he who had led the mutiny so long ago. Small boats left the ship and carried the rebels to the shore. The men split up and found their way one by one to the small seaside town, drifting in unnoticed, singly and quiet. They started their lives anew, as if sailing was never theirs.
After so many years, the old captain was back in another boat sailing the dark waters. This time he was not a man hated and mistrusted by his crew. They would follow him anywhere, and that they did. He retraced his earlier path, wiping out in his mind that misfortunate journey so long ago.
He had the chance for a do-over, a fine trip for both he and the crew. Small waves washed away his fears, his regrets, his immaturity. Straight through to the port this time, he came to the right destination once and for all.