The Lost Mariner's Daydream
Once upon a time, in the city of Providence, there lived an old man named Abel. Ex-Mariner Abel was a weathered soul, one who spent most of his life at sea. His mind was a treasury that stored tales of mythical creatures, cursed treasures, and enchanted islands. But what fascinated the people more than his stories was the fact that in his solitude, Abel still lived and breathed the sea. His house was a shrine to his seafaring days, laden with sailor's ropes, maritime maps and compasses. The salty smell of the sea, enigmatic octant gazing at the empty wall, and the monotonous ticking of the ship's clock echoed the forgotten melody of his maritime days.
One may believe that Abel was lonely, but he found company in his daydreams. His rich inner world was his sanctuary, a place where he often retreated, far away from the hubbub of civilization. Every day, he’d sit in his armchair, navigating familiar routes in his imagination: over-the-counter storms and beneath cross-counter currents. It was one such afternoon, while lost in one of his daydreams, Abel discovered the key to his ultimate adventure.
As sunshine seeped through the gaps in the wooden window, painting the dust particles in hues of gold, Abel was steering his ship through a deadly storm. Suddenly, a peculiar shape hidden within the corner of the map caught his attention. It was an island, tiny and easily overlooked, called 'Amaranth'. Abel was stirred; despite his extensive knowledge and journey of the seven seas, 'Amaranth' was a new revelation. He was excited, visited by the spark of the unknown that had dwindled with age and seclusion.
The curiosity took him back to reality, where he spent days going through piles of old maps, lengthy sailor’s logs and ancient nautical books. His diligent search was finally rewarded. Information, though scarce, made its way to Abel; 'Amaranth' - the island of perpetual bloom, a place of everlasting spirit and vitality, a legend whispered across different ages. However, its actual existence was still a mystery, even for well-traveled souls.
Abel was fascinated. The spirit of exploration was reignited within him. His escapist maritime fantasies were all he had until now, a subdued echo of past adventures. This, however, was now turning into something concrete. He spent days and nights strategizing how to craft a ship that could carry him to his daydream at Amaranth.
His physical strength could no longer serve his ambitious quest. So, he relied on the strength of his mind. With a blueprint before his eyes and the tools in his wrinkled hands, he began the masterpiece. His experience guided him through every stage, despite his trembling hands and blurred vision. The city buzzed with the mystery of Abel's resurrection, but none dared to approach the mad old mariner.
After a year of toil and sweat, finally, his creation stood tall, reeking of fresh paint and teak; an extension of his soul, ready to sail the seas. His heart throbbed with a sense of accomplishment. The old Mariner was ready to sail on his final adventure, leaving the city perturbed and the sea restive. Thus, Abel and his ship braved the ambiguity, aiming for a dot on the map, his 'Amaranth'.
You might think that I have a fascinating conclusion to this audacious adventure, or perhaps a tragic one. However, no one, not even the surrounding sea knows what became of the Mad Old Mariner. For the city of Providence, Abel became an enigma, his existence taking the shape of stories passed down generations. But surely, somewhere across the seven seas, the Island of Amaranth might house the happy yet lonely soul of Abel, perpetually cherishing the spirit of the sea, till eternity.