Aurora Magazine 2018

“Be careful Colten.” “I will. Looks like we should have stayed in France. I didn’t think it would be this bad.” He leans down to kiss me. “Love you.” “Love you too.” I knew that this storm was coming. We left Greece the morning after he proposed, and we headed to France. Before we left, an old man told me a severe storm was coming and was going to be the worst one of the season. I didn’t say any- thing to Colten since he told me that there would be a storm that night. I wish I would have said something now. I crawl out of bed to go help him. As I push the door open, the wind fights to keep the door shut. My black silk nightgown is instantly drenched and clinging to me. I hold my hand over my eyes and look for Colten. I notice that the sail is broke, and a piece is hanging by a piece of rope. I find Colten by the wheel and make my way toward him. “What are you doing Ashlynn?” “I came to help. What can I do?” “Hold the wheel as steady as possible. I am going to try and fix the sail.” I nod and hold tight to the wheel. I watch as he climbs the post and gets to the broken piece. That’s when a gust of wind comes through and he loses his balance with the broken piece in hand. I watch as the sail impales him and our dreams of a life together. I rush to be by his side. I cradle his head in my lap. My heart feels like it has been ripped from my chest. My entire world is lying in a pud- dle of blood and I am helpless. “Colten!” He touches my face and I lean down to kiss

23

G A R D N E R