• I stood on the rocky beach, looking out at the ocean. The sky was gray, showing no happiness on this early autumn morning. The sun would be rising soon, and it was growing more light by the minute, but it was still early enough to feel like night, and have night’s chill. Steam raised gently off the water, swirling upward and away with the breeze. It was as if there was a pattern to the twisting bits of vapor, a purpose to it. It was so deliberate, so necessary, and I didn’t understand why. I simply stood on the beach, the breeze making my long skirt lap around my legs like the waves lapping the rocks below.

    Out on the ocean, I could see the ship, still. Its white sails blended in to the steam, but the dark wood of the ship’s stern stood out against the fog and lack of light. The Rose of Sharon flowed gently away, further and further. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. Not for a second. I knew, while I could see it, that I could be assured my Jacob was alright. Once the ship disappeared, I would no longer know for certain. I didn’t know if he would be coming home to me. I prayed, oh, how I prayed I would see him again. I didn’t know what I would do without him.

    The ship grew fainter and fainter through the steam. If only the morning wasn’t so cold, or the water wasn’t so warm, the steam wouldn’t have risen, and I would be able to watch The Rose of Sharon sail away with the man who carried my heart with him.

    A tear ran down my cheek once I realized that, no matter how I strained my eyes, I could no longer see the ship, nor could I see my Jacob. I looked down to where my hands rested on my stomach, swollen with life. Tendrils of my hair beat at my face as the breeze grew more into a wind. I didn’t care about the cold or the storm that was brewing. I cried and cried there on the edge of rocks.

    I raised my face to look out at the ocean again. “Goodbye, my love,” I whispered to the wind. “My heart is yours, whether you return with it or not.” I knew he wouldn’t hear it, but I still hoped he’d know.