A Long Way from Known Waters Nader groaned. ” That was the worse joke I ever heard. ” He closed his eyes and shook his head. ”What? It’s a classic!” Aldon’s voice cracked as he pretended to be insulted. With a shrug, he shimmied up the railing and secured the line he was supposed to be securing. ”I’d like to hear you tell a funnier one!” His voice was almost lost on the ocean wind. Nader narrowed his eyes as he watched Aldon scurry between the lines. With a small shake of his head he went back to coiling lines and making sure they were out of the way of the crew. He missed being on the Indenel, this smaller ship was too crowded and it was near impossible to find a spot to just sit and watch the ocean. Captain Arelel was relentless in finding chores for him to do. Even if they were useless ones, like recoiling already perfectly coiled rope. ”Nader!” The Captain’s voice cracked like a whip. Nader hoped he had managed to hide his jump of surprise, but the look on her face
After we have checked into the hotel, mum presents me with two identical looking baseball caps. They are black with a small Swedish flag embroidered on one side. “Thanks mum, they’re…” She laughs at me. “Hideous! But I couldn’t resist when I saw them at the airport!” My mum, the flake. I hug her and jam the ugly thing on my head. She does the same and we take a selfie for her to post on Facebook. I try not to think about the person missing in the photo. This trip was my idea, but mum was the one who found this resort. It lies outside of Nice and is five stars. Neither of us could believe that we had snagged the last-minute trip to this place. And at almost half the price! For her I hope this will be a week of rest and making happy memories. For me? Well, if she’s happy I’ll not wish for anything for myself. “Ready to go have dinner?” I throw my cap on my bed as an answer to her question. “You think we’re dressed smartly enough?” Mum checks us over and nods. “We’re looking very c