Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Retreat (as in quiet time away) (08/01/05)
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TITLE: Departure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Robert Bronkhorst
08/08/05 -
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It was a thirty-five foot cruiser that he named "So Be It." It had all the modern amenities that would make a cruise towards the gulf comfortable, and even had a few extras. When Walter found it, or rather, as he likes to say, when they found each other at one of the local marinas, he knew from the first sight that he had to purchase it. He always dreamed of taking a cruise.
Donna didn’t share that same love, but after Walter’s sales pitch to her on the whole thing, she decided to give in. After working his entire life at a job that he didn’t care much for, she could put up with this. Besides, she knew that Walter wasn’t much for buying things on impulse. He wanted to see the river from a whole different perspective and, since they were retired and had all the bills under control, she felt that he deserved to have at least one thing in his life that he truly wanted.
After that first test ride, she had to admit that it was something that she could get used to.
Plans were then set in motion. They sold the house that they had lived in for their entire married life. Most of their possessions, at least the ones that they didn’t have room for, were given to the couple’s three children, and whatever they didn’t want were given to a local charitable organization.
"Are you sure that we are doing the right thing?" Donna asked. The tone in her voice was filled with apprehension.
"Sure," Walter answered confidently. "Just think, tomorrow we won’t have a schedule to keep. We can come and go without having to answer to anyone." He picked up the last duffel bag and slung it happily over his shoulder. "Think of this as our retreat from the mundane."
"Well, since you put it that way," she said and kissed him lightly on the top of the head, "I don’t have to much to be concerned about do I?"
Walter and Donna made the final checks. He made sure that the radio was tuned to the proper channels; she made sure that they had enough supplies in the galley to hold them for a few days. Donna made sure that everything was secured on deck; Walter checked the engine for the final time. The Saint Christopher medallion that their daughter Penny had given them as a going away gift was placed by the steering wheel. Donna glanced at it and said a silent prayer. Walter turned the key and the engine roared to life, much to his delight.
Donna, with the aid of one of the neighboring boat owners, unfastened the ropes that held the "So Be It" in place.
"Where are you going?" he yelled.
"Don’t know," Walter replied with a big grin on his face. "Won’t know until we get there."
"Well, have fun and be safe," replied the neighbor. He gave Walter a wave, then watched as the large, long bottomed boat made its way out of its slip and into the open waters.
"We are on our way," Walter said to Donna. "So begins our departure from civilization."
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