Third person's POV
Tabitha shook her head and said, "It's better to avoid trouble. I'll just stay on the ship."
Wilmot hesitated for a moment before asking, "Ms. Hartley, may I presumptuously inquire why you're risking your return to Seattle? Your health is already frail, and I've heard you don't have any relatives left in Seattle. What is it that you need to do there?"
"I have some matters to take care of."
Tabitha replied, keeping her cards close to her chest without revealing any information.
Seeing this, Wilmot tactfully closed his mouth and asked no further questions.
He simply said, "Then you should rest early."
After the cargo ship docked for supplies and repairs, it would take half a day.
Tabitha didn't even disembark, staying in her room from beginning to end.
She made a mark on the calendar with a red pen, watching the distance to Seattle grow closer, thinking to herself, just hold on a little longer, and soon she would see those two children.
Before long, a crew member came to report, "Ms. Hartley, I apologize, but our ship has encountered a minor issue. The technicians are currently inspecting and repairing it. It seems we won't be able to continue sailing today."
"How long will this delay us?" Tabitha inquired.
"It could be as quick as a day, but if it's slow, it might take two to three days. Everyone is working overtime on the repairs. Captain especially asked me to inform you that if you're bored on the ship, you could take a walk around the island."
"Alright, I see."
Tabitha responded, showing no interest in the island's scenery and simply saying, "Thank you, but no."
"Alright then, Captain and the others are going to a tavern for a few drinks. If you need anything, just give us a call."
"Okay."
The night near the harbor was quiet. Without the noise of the waves, the evening seemed to have become more peaceful.
Tabitha leaned against the deck, and stargazing had become her only way to pass the time.
Unconsciously, someone draped a cloak over her.
Wilmot sat beside her, surprisingly holding a can of beer.
"Why don't you go to the tavern for a drink? After being at sea for so long, surely everyone finds such days hard to bear," Tabitha asked.
Wilmot used his slender fingers to pop the beer can's tab, making a "pop" sound. He took a couple of gulps and then slowly replied, "My duty is to protect you. I can't just take the salary without working. Moreover, I don't find these days boring."
Tabitha propped her cheeks with her hands, looking at the bright moon in the night sky.
"What are your plans after you've delivered me to Seattle?" she asked.
"Me?"
Wilmot lay back on the deck, looking up at the sky. "A person like me is like a weed, just drifting with the current, living as long as I can."
He raised his beer can towards the bright moon in the night sky and whispered, "To the unknown tomorrow, to the unrestrained freedom. Under this vast universe, using alcohol as a guide, contemplating the meaning of life and the passage of time."
Watching Wilmot's carefree appearance, Tabitha felt a sudden envy.
She wished she could be as free as the wind, too.
At that moment, gunshots were heard from the harbor. A figure quickly jumped to the edge of the cliff, placing the two children he carried under a rock.
He whispered to the children, "Be good and quiet. I'll be back soon."
The two children looked at him, nodded, and in a soft, childish voice said, "Daddy, be careful..."
Life on the run was already a common occurrence for them.
The two children were still very young, understanding the concept of danger, while their peers were still being breastfed.
The man quickly jumped away to escape, with continuous gunfire following behind him.
Along with the gunshots, there were footsteps. The little girl was terrified, trembling all over.
She had recently seen a dog hit by a bullet, lying in a pool of blood, never to open its eyes again.