Nemesis

“Rhamnousia. Where are you, dear?” American life has largely sidelined her, which is a blessing and a curse. That is, until you go to the docks of New Bedford, where you feel her presence. However, her name is never spoken.

“Shall we go fishing?” Shall we test our wax wings? Shall we take on exorbitant risk for unpredictable gains? The sea collects receipts with ambivalence.

“We shall, but know that St. Christopher yields to Nemesis out here, my boy. What do you know of metacentric height?” He knew that none of them signed his paycheck, and that a pregnant girlfriend and the pangs of withdrawal called with menacing energy. American life offered so much to those willing and able to harmonize with the grind and check the right boxes. Being born in New Bedford to parents who couldn’t find themselves, let alone clear the path for their children, was a phase-shifting bit of luck.

“I’ll be here tomorrow.” The cold wind blew.

He thought of his muttered promises to Ana as she dropped him off at the dock. The taillights disappeared as he turned toward the Cadence. He hoped it would get warmer when the sun came up.

“You did show up.” The gangway pushed against his boots.

“I said I would.” The gray beard revealed a smile as he reached the deck.

“Good, now drop your stuff in your cabin and then start rigging.”

The gray sky and snow made it hard for him to see as the deck light switched off. His soles vibrated as the engines roared below. He looked at his phone and saw Ana’s text.

Be safe. I don’t trust that older man.

Black exhaust filled the sky, and he shuddered. The Cadence shifted under his feet as he looked at the fleet of boats at the pier. He missed Captain Freddy as he looked down at the water. The echoes of their argument and of his walk home afterward made him sad. He scratched at his right arm and felt the ooze under his jacket. He flinched and saw the dark figure leaning out of the cabin.

“Get to work, boy! We’re here for fish, not melancholy.” Def Leppard filled his ears as he felt the cold metal.

“Yes, sir.” He whispered and kept working.

Their bodies were never recovered.