We drive into the night. Approaching a bar, I sit in the middle of the backseat, watching two friends in the front flirt and enjoy each other's company. It is very dark but the stars are visible specks through the windshield. I smile at the thought of happiness for my friend. We get out and walk inside. It is like a magical land, a pull back in time to a wondrous place with old fashioned delight. It is bright and warm. The place is illuminated by a warm, orange glow from twinkling lights. Two people twirl in to take your coats. He is wearing all black, she is wearing all white lace. I panic halfway down the stairs. I am watching my two friends as they reach a point in their life that we have all hoped to be at. I am filled with sadness. I wasn't a part of it. I wasn't asked to be involved. I am under dressed and embarrassed. My feelings are felt and I am stared at. I walk away and I am on a dirt pathway. A village of old fashioned vendors. I find my way to the end. All the way to the back I walk with determination. I find it is the front, instead. It is a pool of water with the front end of a boat. I realize that I've been on a ship this whole time. I've not noticed how rocky it was, but now that I know I am scared. I take deep breaths and I walk on the front of it. It is sunken slightly in the water. The water is dark, rich emerald. It becomes more blue and thick farther down. I can only see the top half of the boat. I balance myself although it tips side to side under my feet. I find the equilibrium and I walk to the end of the wooden boat. I don't get wet from the water, though I am up to my hips in the water. It feels like air to me. Not cold or warm. Just neutral. There is a cup with items. This is a game. I see you and you are having trouble. I have to watch you from the end of the boat. I yell words of encouragement and you fall into the water again and again. You are frustrated, but you keep trying. I walk out to help you and for a time it is rocky. Then I hold your hand and it feels like home. I smell tobacco flower and basil. I pull you up and you hold both of my hands. We rock on the boat together and you don't fall again. I walk backwards, knowing I can make it without sight because you are my eyes as I am your feet. We make it and I look in the cup. I ask if you had a watch and you ask me if I think you wear a watch or not. I think, of course. But then I wonder, do you? I find three watches, all are broken. I am not sure which is yours when you tell me without words, what good is a broken watch when you already know the time?
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