Just Keep Swimming

I've always loved the ocean. I look out onto the beautiful sunset, the boat is rocking very gently in the great blue ocean and I feel a sense of calm rush through me. The sky is a bright orange and it starts to shift into a brighter more concentrated yellow as it gathers closer to the sun. I lean against the bannister. I try to smooth out the wrinkles in my gown.

Tonight I'm wearing a cherry pink ball gown dress. with off the shoulder chiffon and sparkling netting covering the skirt. I drum my pink nails against the bannister. I closely eyes and breathe. Ice cold water splashes against my face. I open one eyelid. The orange colours of the sky have disappeared and been replaced by and brooding grey tone. My stomach sinks.

Waves start to splash against the boat sprinkling the deck with water. I grab onto the railings and try to keep my balance. The waves start the crash against the boat and the rumbling of thunder is so loud I can't think.

The entire bottom deck has been replaced by the ocean I once loved, and is slowly dragging the rest of us down. "Catherine!" a voice calls from outside of the boat. Everyone is out on a lifeboat. Some party this is, "Catherine, come to the side of the boat we'll help you out."

The sky looks down at me angrily. My feet are so cold, so very cold and the hem of my dress is soaked. I don't want to marry someone I don't love. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with someone just because I have to . The water is up to my knees. I'm not doing this, I walk to the edge of the boat. Further away from him. I step into the cold water, I float.

"Catherine!" he exclaims. I take I deep breathe and sink.