The Captain and his brother sat side by side on the deck chairs, watching the horizon until dawn began to break.

  As always, his brother spoke of better days, spinning memories from the past like threads of gold.

  They spoke of their father, their home, and the magnificent woman they had both loved.

  By silent agreement, they never once glanced at the ruined city sprawled along the coastline behind them.

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  Nor did they speak of the loved ones buried there.

  When the first light of morning touched the sea, the Captain’s young assistant arrived in his small boat, tying it neatly to the side.

  As he unloaded supplies for breakfast, the boy asked,

  “Captain, don’t you get lonely out here, all by yourself?”

  The Captain glanced at the empty deck.

  “No,” he said softly. “I’m never lonely.”