A Long Time Between Beers

"You shouldn't be stuck with that. I can help if you want." I was still worried about him. I wasn't sure he should be alone.

"Hell, no. Get back to your family. Besides, there're those hot springs we never got to. I'm going to soak."

He turned off the light. Darkness and warmth and comfort surrounded me. So did the sea. I couldn't relax. I changed positions again and again, trying to escape the ache from my damaged rib and the never-ending surge of the waves. An hour must have passed. Bill got up for water.

"Want to bring me some?" I said.

I drank, tried again to sleep. Relax, I kept telling myself. Relax. Finally I noticed a different relaxation. Good. I would sleep soon. Would either you boys like a beer? The beer thought was good. I was almost asleep. Just had to put on the lid. It was on for 15 seconds, and then I was awake again. I got up and went to the window, opening it and hearing the clutter of sounds from below.

"Suppose she sank in the channel?" Bill said.

"I don't know."

He rolled back onto his side.

I wanted a cigarette. I thought of the Lazy, realizing she would probably sink. I wished we had brought the still. Why hadn't we? I thought of the yellow shirt. If I could touch it right now, would all this make more sense?

I sat on the bed, forcing myself to listen, unthinking, to the traffic and the voices speaking Spanish. I thought of my family. It was wonderful to think without being haunted by questions, to know for sure I would see my daughters again, would see Joanne.