Song of the Sea

/ Liz H-H

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (03/24/2024). No more than 250 words in length.

“So many to choose from,” Douglass breathed, mouthpiece in one hand, carefully considering his next step. He’d waited under the dock, saving the oxygen in his scuba tank. The docks ceased their sway and rattle as the heavy footfalls of captains and crew stumbled up to the clubhouse for an exclusive marina fundraiser. They’d strung lights on boom, mast, and stays, sure that the sea gods wouldn’t rain on their parade.          

Douglass needed only one: a sailboat rather than one relying on motor. There’d be no place to refuel where he was going. He’d bring his bride home, sure she’d have him.

*** 

He found the right sailboat near the harbor’s mouth. Pulling himself up into the partially-open stern, he dragged the netted selkie after him. Crossing the transom to the cockpit, he thought it best to leave her tied up in the stern. She was his bride, but she was also a fighter. He’d need full concentration to silently clear the harbor. Patting the cushion of her pelt, stowed away inside the belly of his wetsuit, Douglass smiled. He’d found the half-way point to cement their union.

As they moved into deeper waters, she began to keen. The skies matched her dark, angry eyes, and the waves corkscrewed the boat down and around, shredding mast and mainsail. At the lowest trough, the waters stilled. Dozens of pairs of eyes glinted from the surrounding wall of water. As the wall surged and burst around him, Douglass realized he’d miscalculated.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2024)

25 thoughts on “Song of the Sea”

  1. An engaging take on a traditional notion. Selkie tales are wonderful, and this one’s right up there. I love the way you’ve brought the story alive with details of his hiding place, then his thoughts and actions as he carries out his plan. Then kaboom! at the end. Terrific finish.

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    • Thanks, C.E.! Selkie stories my favorite, can fully imagine a group of women sitting together in a sod hut, rain outside.
      Throwing another peat brick on the fire while darning and sewing for spouse & sons, and voicing their discontent with a traditional version. Such solidarity!

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  7. Serves him right, I say – we women don’t like to be forced!
    And especially not selkies.
    A beautifully told story, Liz, revealing the information gradually and building the tension till that final surging and bursting of water on Douglass – nope, I still didn’t feel sorry for him!
    Great story.

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