As my gaze sweeps the shipyard, I feel the loneliness sink in. It’s always been lingering but today it’s more prominent than ever.

It’s the fifth anniversary of when… she should’ve been back home. I feel a small anger mixing in with the sadness. I remember the blank expression of the crew member who informed me of her disappearance, how unbothered he seemed.

They said there was nothing they could do about it. “Those lost at sea weren’t ment to be” or however the saying goes, a cruel expression.

I know in my aching heart she may be gone, but I won’t give up on her. In the weeks after I was given the terrible news I quit my job, bought a sailboat and I’ve been docked up here ever since. But today I can’t stand to be in a boat. So here I stand, dirty, jobless, empty, and hopeful.

And as the sun begins to set I pray that maybe, just maybe, she can see it too.