Ordinary Man

 

Time can be both friend and foe. For Will, his ten years on the Flying Dutchmanhad passed as if it were but a dream; his return was like waking from a long slumber. And dreamlike were his memories of that time, fading day by day into isolated fragments, vague disjointed recollections of countless faces, nameless souls. 

For those he’d left behind, those ten years were a lifetime: of changes, growth, progress. Will found himself adrift in a world he was not yet a part of, a stranger that bore the name husband… and father. And perhaps, one day, friend. 

**** 

Will took to keeping long hours at the smithy, those first days after he’d sighted the stranger, a phantom from his past. But the day to day living, so different, so new, so invigorating, left Will little time to dwell on his distant past. And, after a while, Will found himself wondering perhaps if it hadn’t been a dream, after all. 

So Will was taken by surprise, when three weeks later that same stranger walked through the shop door, pausing just inside as his eyes adjusted to the dim light within. Though shadows claimed his face, the voice was unmistakable.

 

**** 

“I met an old friend today, at the shop.”

Will turned in the dark, seeking his wife’s face. The moonlight splintering in through the window panes cast her in both light and shadow. 

Elizabeth snuggled closer and asked sleepily, “Anyone I know?” 

Will wrapped his arm around her and held her close. Brushing his lips against her hair he paused, then said, “No. Just someone I once met, years ago.”

She rested her head on his chest and smiled. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing it.”

“It’s always belonged to you.” Will kissed her, and tried to forget.