The old man's gaze drifted out over the harbor as if he could still see the scene playing out before him.
It was a cold, misty morning, he began. I was out on patrol, making my rounds along the coast. The sea was rough, the kind that churns your stomach and makes you pray to see land again. The fog was so thick you could barely see a few feet ahead.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Then, through the mist, I saw it. At first, it was just a shadow, like something that didn't belong in that churning sea. As I got closer, I realized it was a boat, drifting aimlessly. No sails, no engine… just floating there like a ghost ship.
David felt a chill run down his spine, The old man continued, The boat was in bad shape, David. It was drenched, completely soaked through, as if it had been fighting the sea for days. But the strangest thing was that there was no sign of your father. It was as if the sea had swallowed him whole and spat the boat back out, empty and broken.
David swallowed hard, trying to imagine the scene. The thought of his father, alone in that storm, fighting to keep the boat, and himself afloat, only to disappear without a trace, was terrifying.
I searched the boat, the old man continued, but there was nothing. Just that empty, waterlogged boat, drifting on the waves. It was as if the sea had claimed him for its own.
I towed the boat back to the harbor, hoping, praying that we'd find some answers. But we never did. Your father was gone, David, and all that was left was this boat, this silent witness to whatever happened out there.
The old man sighed, the sound heavy with years of unanswered questions. "I don't know what your father was looking for out there, David, but whatever it was… it must have been something powerful, something worth risking everything for.
Well I hoped you're not going down on that same path considering you said about going for a journey earlier.
David was silent trying to figure what to say, "umm...." he stammered, before he could say anything else, The old guard
placed his hand on David's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "Then may the sea be kinder to you than it was to him. And may you find the answers you're looking for."
The old man's smile was faint but sincere. "Your father would be proud where ever he is. Just remember, the sea is unpredictable. Keep your wits about you, and trust your instincts."
After a thorough inspection of the boat, The vessel was in surprisingly good condition, ready to take on the waves once more. The old man gave him a nod of approval.
"Thanks for your help," David said to the old man, who waved him off with a grin. "Anytime, son. Just remember I'm always here to help. "
David glanced up at the sky, noticing that the moon had already risen, casting a silver glow over the water. The realization hit him that it was too late to return to New York tonight. He needed rest, both for his body and for the journey that lay ahead.
David decided to rent a hotel room in Los Angeles for the night. He needed to gather his thoughts, plan the next steps, and most importantly, get some sleep. He booked the closest hotel to the harbor.
As he entered the hotel room, He leaned back in the stiff hotel chair, trying let go of the exhaustion that held him. But he couldn't sleep, the thought of his decision still lingers in his head. After confirming with the old man that the boat was in perfect condition, he knew there was no turning back. The adventure to Atlantis was no longer just a dream but a necessary reality.
David picked up the hotel phone, his hand trembling slightly as he dialed James's number. The phone rang twice before James's groggy voice answered, "Hello?"
"James, it's David." David's voice was steady, but the urgency in it was unmistakable. "In two days, I think we'll be heading to Atlantis."
There was a long pause on the other end. When James finally spoke, his voice was laced with disbelief. "Atlantis? David, you've always dismissed this as a fantasy. What happened? Why the change of heart?"
David took a deep breath. "I almost lost her, James. Elina was so close to slipping away, and I couldn't do anything. Sitting around, hoping for a miracle, it's not something I can gamble Elina on. I need to do something, anything, that might save her, even if it means chasing after something as crazy as Atlantis."
The line was silent as James absorbed David's words, his voice softened. "But… Atlantis? Do you realize the risks? Are you sure you are ready to do this?"
David's voice sharpened. "Wasn't it you who believed in Atlantis all along? You pushed for this, now that I'm on board, you're questioning it?"
James hesitated, then softened. "Sorry, I'm just so surprised. After the hospital, I never thought we would have this conversation again."
David's tone shifted, carrying a note of resolve. "It's not just about Atlantis anymore. I found something else about my father, James. He wasn't just his obsessed with the sea, he was on a mission looking for something that I think could be connected to our journey."
James. "What do you mean? How did you figure that out?"
I found a letter hidden in my father's library. It seemed he was working for someone.
Woah, so you're telling me me your dad was not just that man who was after treasures, he was working for someone?
David, yes I think, I haven't gotten the full story tho, Till I study the journal and see if there anything else that can help.
This is getting more interesting, James said. Are you sure you're ready for this?
David didn't hesitate. "Elina's life is on the line. If there's even the smallest chance that Atlantis, or my father's past, holds something that could help her, I have to try it. And I need you with me James.
There was a slow exhaled at the other end. "Alright, David. If you're in, then I'm with you."
David's resolve hardened. "Then We leave in two days. Get everything ready."