Aurora Magazine 2018

The Dreamer

T A Y L O R G A R D N E R Dreams are something we all have. They fill us with

hope. I should know, I am the biggest dreamer you’ll know. My biggest dream was to sail around the world with the love of my life and that is what we did. My name is Ashlynn and I am a dreamer. “What’re thinking about Ash?” I look up at Colten’s tan face. His brown hair is windblown from being out on deck all day and his light brown eyes shine with pride. “Just thinking about how lucky I am. I have you and we have this whole summer together. This is our summer, Col- ten.” He sits down beside me and wraps his arms around me. I lean into his hug and lay my head on his chest. I can hear his heart beating like a thousand drums. “Colten?” “Yeah Ash?” I sit up to look him in the face. “I love you. I just wanted you to know that.” He smiles and tucks a piece of my dark hair behind my ear. “And I love you Ashlynn. Now let’s head to the cabin. Winds starting to pick up. Radar showed a small system mov- ing through.” Once we are in the cabin the rain begins to pour. Col- ten lays down on the couch and I crawl into the only bed on the whole boat. He told me he would not once sleep in the bed until we were engaged. He has yet to propose, so the couch is his bed. I lay there in bed trying to sleep, but struggle shutting off my mind. I knew we would be in Greece tomorrow. I have

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