The Pier

Leaning over the splintered wooden railing, his eyes focused on a tiny piece of paper that danced along the top of the water. Bobbing up and down as each tiny ripple rolled along the water's surface. Despite the undulant movement of the water, the small torn corner seemed to stay in place. As if purposely trying to keep his attention.

His life had changed dramatically in the past two days. He had lost the love of his life, a woman with so much passion that placing a mountain in her path could not stop her from doing as she pleased.

A tear rolled down his cheek. He watched as it fell into the water. Disappearing with the small splash it made.

He had spent his whole life building their future. The future where they were supposed to sit side by side to one another in rocking chairs. Watching every sunset for the next 50 years on the front porch of the mansion he built for her. But in one moment, she was gone. Taking everything he had worked for.

It wasn't her death he mourned. As having her buried in a grave would be better than what she had done. He turned from the calming water to look at his mansion on the hill. Tears filled his eyes as he stared into the empty sky where his house had once stood. All that remained were charred remnants of his hopes and dreams. Not even a photograph of her remained. Perhaps it was better that way.

She had warned him time and again that she was leaving. But her constant threats only told him to work harder. If he could finish building the house, he would have more time for her. His only wish was to give her as she desired. To make her happy. But that day was always someday, a day that hasn't come yet. But now, he will never have that chance again.

He stared at the small rivulet that passed by the house, leading to the pond. Most of the watercress that had grown there was wilted due to the intense heat from the night earlier. He had wanted to see his son's first steps. To watch as his son splashed excitedly in the stream.

His wife had left him. Taking his money, his car, and his child. What little she had left was set ablaze with the house. And as he watched his whole world fall apart, the dancing flames from within the house taunted him. As if laughing at him while taking away what he treasured most.

All that remained of his life was this old wooden pier. The reason he had chosen this place. His mind kept thinking of how this 'T' shaped dock was symbolic of their relationship. She had always gone to the right, jumping into the water at the deeper end. But he had chosen to enter the water to the left. The water wasn't as deep and felt much warmer.

Now he stood in the middle of the pier. Leaning against the railing that stopped him from entering the water there. His mind continually replayed the moments in his life when he could have done different. The moments that may have caused their relationship to sunder.

He had sacrificed year after year of working 15 hour days at the office. Working to save up as much money as he could. While paying for the house and his wife's spending habit. He had dedicated his life to making her happy. But it wasn't until now that he understood. His wife had only wanted to spend time with him.

He glanced back to the burnt remains, taking a deep breath. Then shaking his head again in disbelief, he turned to face the water once more. Placing his hands firmly on the rotted wood railing, he gave a quick angry shove. Causing the railing to break free from the dock. He held tightly to the wood as both he and the railing fell forward into the cold water.

Surprised by what was happening, he took a deep breath. His arms reaching for the surface as he tried to scream. While staring toward the light above, his body went limp. The water had claimed his soul. Allowing the current to be his nautical guide. Sending him to wherever it might.