Chapter 66

Shota loved being at sea. They were out so far he could barely see the land. A dolphin broke the surface, playing in the bow wake. He grinned. He stood beside the mast, one hand resting on it keep one hand for the boat, Captain Minoru always told him watching as another dolphin appeared. Joy rose in his heart. The sea was a world of its own, with so many beings living in it, entire societies existing beneath the waves. It was a place, he thought, that he, too, could survive, given his sturdy boat and his and Captain Minoru's ability to sail it. Oh, he loved it out here, with the waves rolling beneath them and the wind hard against his cheek, powering the big sails. He wanted to tell Renko about the incredible happiness that welled up in his heart. Surely she'd understand! She lived beneath the sea herself.