Reports

Ted Morrissey

The Ariel was foundering in the tempest
that had sent the Italian fishing boats to
safe harbors. One crew had spotted the
struggling little yacht and offered rescue,
but Percy, Edward and their teenage hand
declined to board the larger, sea-worthier
boat. The fishermen advised them to
lower their burdensome sails. They did not.
It was the final sighting of the Ariel.
You and Percy had argued. You felt he
was abandoning you, and threatened that
you and your child would not be there when
he returned. You would go to Lord Byron,
a threat meant to wound. He left anyway.