After the emergency broadcast, he got busy, talking the whole time.
“My great-grandfather was a whaler,” he said as he slid a heavy-duty cable over the bollard, cranking the capstan to draw the hull tight against the fenders.
“He wrote about rounding the horn down by the roaring forties.” He tightened down the hatch battens. “Waves as tall as the mainmast, the sea foaming white as a wedding cake.”
He placed the plywood deadlights over the ports to protect the glass. “This little hurricane would have been nothing to him.”
He smiled, but the deep-set eyes looked worried to me.
Dear Josh,
You painted a clear picture of the man and his care-taking. I could hear him and see him. Well done
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks!
I’m not sure how reassured I’d feel either by someone describing a hurricane as “little”
This reads like an early scene from a disaster story. I just wonder if He will make it through, despite the false optimism. Great dialogue
He’s talking a good game, but the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Excellent descriptive moment in time. Those expressive eyes tell of trouble to come.
Wonderful descriptions, Josh.. I could picture the scene and must agree with Sandra… the eyes tell a different tale than his mouth.
I love a good peril-at-sea story. Nice one.
His future is in the hands of fate, but you described well how he is attempting to help himself.
That’s how most of us get ready for disaster. We make our preparations and assure ourselves that we’ll be all right… right?
He’s an experienced sailor and a brave man, regardless of how he feels. Better than some scenarios.
This lived and breathed. Well done, and I hope the creek don’t rise.
I think he’s trying to convince himself. Love the dialogue.
I admire the way you give us the man’s character not just by what he says, but by what he does.They’re very specific and concrete actions, described as though you’ve done them yourself, and that makes them very powerful. Super writing.
I do hope his precautions are enough – he sounds like a decent chap.
God speed!
I feel like he knows what he’s doing! Stay safe!
Well written!