DARIUS

I awoke the next morning to a salty breeze tickling my nose. I raised my hand to brush away the itch and my fingers tangled into a long lock of soft hair.

My eyes flew open. The owner of said hair nestled against my shoulder, fast asleep.

A curse fell from my lips, faster than my hand unwove from her chestnut locks. Marilee’s peaceful face fell into a scowl, perhaps over the tug on her hair or my unseemly language. Even in sleep, she showed her disapproval.

I pulled away slowly, careful not to startle her awake, and her calm smile reappeared.

I recalled last night. The last thing I remembered was staring at the stars, contemplating Marilee’s words until my eyelids drooped with a heaviness that contrasted a newfound lightness in my heart. Marilee had been beside me, yes, but not this close. I wondered when she had fallen asleep, and if it was before or after she’d found refuge on my shoulder.

No matter. I gently laid her against the boat’s deck, ignoring the urge to continue resting with her warmth against me.

No rest for the wicked, lads! One of Hashir’s favorite chides rang in my head as I made my way to examine the damaged boat.

I glanced at the gray sky, knowing I would need to wake Marilee soon before the sun rose.

The dazzling stars of last night were nowhere to be seen, and my optimistic musings seemed like fairy tales in the foggy morning, doused by the sea spray and another long day ahead.

My glimpse fell on the smiling, sleeping girl, and I shook my head. Half from disdain and half from awe that she’d made me feel a hope that I hadn’t in a long time.

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