Ordinary Man

 

Will didn’t know where he was going, just that he had to go, he had to keep moving. He felt unsettled, poised on the edge of…nothing. Uncertainty tormented him. His place in this town, this shop, this home, all choices made for him, yet without him. Even his servitude aboard the Dutchman had not been his choice.

 

He’d made his choice. His choice had been to marry Elizabeth, yet even that choice had been ripped from him. And now? He felt like a stranger in his own house, in his own bed. No, not his house nor bed. Elizabeth’s. She had made a life for herself, raising their child alone, shouldering her burdens with strength and grace and wisdom. An admirable life, of which he’d been no part of, except as a memory.

 

Now, how could she expect him to just fit in, to feel a part of all this, that she had built? He felt estranged, in spite of her love, her patience. All that he dreamt of was right there: A loving wife, a son, a home.

 

So why didn’t the compass work?

 

****

 

“Why did you leave?”

 

Will had asked the question of his father.

 

“I never meant to leave for good, son. I want you to believe me. It weren’t because of you or your mother.

 

Started out an honest seaman, but the times, they were tough, and the pay low. Seemed a fellow could do better going out on account. Weren’t meant to be forever, just long enough to earn a bit to bring back to your mother.

 

Seemed the longer I were at sea, the harder it were to come back. Your mother, bless her, was always welcoming, even though she barely knew me those days. You were just a wee lad, always shy. Used to bring you presents, try to make it up to you. But you can’t ever get it back, can you? The first step, the first tooth.... the first kiss.



Came to where I felt a stranger in my own home, not comfortable on land, not knowing what to do with myself. You were always polite, but there was something missing. Took off that last time with a vow, to find enough treasure to let your ma and you live comfortably. Least I could do.

 

Found a berth on the Black Pearl, after Jack Sparrow sailed into Tortugawith his mind set on going after the treasure of Isla de Muerta. Seemed the fates were smiling that day, all that gold, there for the taking.

 

Barbossa demanded the bearing, being all’s a fair share. Didn’t know about the mutiny ‘til they’d dragged Jack up from the hold. Never had a problem with Jack Sparrow, a bit daft he were but a fair Captain. But Barbossa’s men were a murderous lot, and I kept thinking of your ma and you, depending on me. I kept my mouth shut, watched them toss Jack over the side, laughing they were.

 

Weren’t much laughing going on after we’d found the treasure. Spent it we did, every bit of that gold. I kept a piece aside, figuring I’d send it on to you when we made port next. By that time, we knew we were cursed, the moonlight showed the creatures we’d become.

 

I couldn’t return home, not like that. I had lost everything; I had nothing left to lose. So I sent that piece of the treasure off to you, hoping you’d trade it for coins that could do some good for you and your ma. I laughed then, at Barbossa, and his greed. Told him he deserved to be cursed, for eternity.

 

I gather you must have thought you’d freed me then, when you lifted the curse. But I had already consigned my soul to another fate, one I chose freely. You owe me nothing, Will. Nothing.

 

I’d have never wished this on you, yet you still have hope. The girl, she can free you, you can have that chance. Take it, Will. Don’t make the mistakes I made.”

 

****

 

Will stared out at the sea, more familiar to him than the shore, beckoning him home. His breath hitched and he closed his eyes, allowing the incoming tide to wash over his feet and legs, wishing it would rinse out the restlessness.

 

He sensed her presence in the sea swirling around his ankles.

 

“What is it that you seek, William Turner?”

 

His reply was angry. “You promised I’d be free. That was our agreement.”

 

Her laughter echoed in the waves.

 

“You have a touch of destiny about you, William Turner. Your fate is not yours to decide.”

 

“Then let me go, leave me in peace.”

 

“I am no longer the one that holds you.”

 

“Then who?”

 

She swirled around him, rippling laughter once again mocking him.

 

“You must seek out your own happiness. You have the way to do so, there in your hand.”

 

“It’s broken.”

 

“No, William Turner. The compass, it always is true. You must find that what you want most.”

 

“But I made my choice!”

 

“Have you? If you know what you want, then why do you still seek that which you cannot find?”

 

“What? Jack Sparrow? It’s his, that’s all.”

 

“You wish to choose your own fate?”

“Yes.”

“Remember, for that which you want most, there is a price must be paid in the end.”

“I’ll take that chance.”

 

“Then go, William Turner. You hold your fate in your hands.”