Crimson Shores

All I see is darkness; I feel emptiness, the crippling isolation followed by a sense of unwavering anxiety and nervousness. Potentially eternity goes by with no proper understanding of length, but time passes all the same. I feel it, but nothing else. Suddenly, sensations of all sorts overwhelm me. I'm lying on something, a texture of grainy beach sands. A scent follows that of salt-kissed ocean air; a sound comes of raging waves, a temperature follows that of warm sunshine on my ice-cold flesh. That's right; I have a body. I'm a person! A realization of my identity, that's a good thing. Right? I don't know, but then again, I don't remember much right now.

I have two legs, so I move them; they're numb but oblige. I bend my knees and then my arms; I place them by my hips. With a lot of effort, I lean my torso forwards into a sitting position. Every movement is painful but fills me with pride. Emotions now, huh? Interesting. My neck is stiff until I crack it; my eyes are closed and heavy until I force them open with my clumsy fingers. It's blurry, but I can see!

Everything was red. The sky was cloudy, calm, and various shades of red. There were no signs of life. The beach I was sitting on was a deep shade of crimson with no rocks or formations visible. The waters were raging, also various shades of red. It's bizarrely calm and still in this space. I stand up, using all of my strength to do so. I'm unsteady at first, but then I gain control. The feeling is pleasant, like something I needed to do, standing at the base of a crimson shore with only my thoughts. Here I am, basking in the warm, salty air feeling it all with my naked body.

In the distance, I see a medium-sized sailboat. It's painted black with old, rotting boards barely holding the frame together. The sail was eggshell white with several rips, probably from other voyages, with a worn-down mast holding it up with various ropes. It was empty but afloat and on a steady course in my direction. Cautiously, I walk closer to the ocean. Before the boat comes ashore, it disappears. I rub my eyes, but it's still gone! Confused, I look around for it. But there's nothing here but me.

Before I could lose my sanity, it reappeared. But it wasn't near me anymore; it was out in the ocean again! I scream in frustration, my only hope for answers, and it's a trick of my delusional mind. At least that's what I thought. I close my eyes and begin to weep. I'm just so tired, so afraid, so overwhelmed. I can't do this anymore.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, so I open my teary eyes. A figure appeared on the beach. It was tall, slender, and dressed in a black hooded cloak. I couldn't see a face, but from it's lips came a gentle voice.

“I know this is confusing, ” It reassures me, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “but I promise everything is going to be okay.”

I don't understand; what's going to be okay?

It sighs and lets me go. “You have questions, and I have answers.” It holds out a hand for me to grab. “Take my hand.”

Reluctant at first, but I end up obliging anyway. The second I touch it's pale hand, I'm flooded with memories. I remember everything! I loved my job and promotion, my excellent partner whom I spent many years with, our engagement, and the romantic weekend we had to celebrate it all. And then it becomes solemn. I remember the accident. The wrong turn off of a steep hill, sending our car into a muddy ditch. I feel the pain, the blood, the fear. Someone finds us; we were saved. I'm hooked up to machines, in the hospital, in more critical condition than you are, but still holding on.

I tear up. I see you next to me, holding my hand and sobbing frantically. I'm drifting away; too much damage to my brain, the doctors said. I don't care about that; I only care about missing you, losing my love, my heart, my everything. This event is my goodbye. I fade into darkness. And then, I'm back on the beach. I died and left the physical world. This place is afterward.

“It's time to go.” It says with a consoling voice, holding my hand gently.

It summons the sailboat to the shore, ready for boarding.

“Someday, they will join you too.” It chirps,” I promise. Now let's go; there's a new beginning ahead of you.”

I smile. I'm at peace and content with the answers, but I still feel regret for my love. How cruel it is for me to leave you so soon, but it is what it is. For now, I bid you farewell, but it's not a goodbye. It's an I'll see you later.

To those of you who left too soon, be patient. One day all will be reunited as they should be. Just hold onto the precious, fleeting moments that make up our daily lives, and don't leave any regrets behind. Live how you want to live, and don't take no for an answer!

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Note: the character’s gender and age was left ambiguous so that people can insert themselves into their place.