The wind on the sea was cold. Hidden night birds called to each other in the distance. Hai was not much of a boatman, and he was breathless with fatigue after his clumsy trip out here. He was far enough now, in the deep water, that he let the little boat drift and listened to his own breathing and the sounds of the night. Hai had never been afraid of the night, so, even though he was only a boy of thirteen, he felt no fear. Instead, Hai felt shame hot and red on his cheeks, wet with tears. Hai did nothing for a long time but sit weeping silently.
"You'll sink your boat with tears," Grandfather said.
Hai felt hairs stand on his neck. "Grandfather," he said, and he started to turn his head.
"No!" snapped Grandfather. "It is ill fortune to look at the dead. Look over there. Look at the moon."
Hai stared up at the moon, feeling very ashamed.
"Throw that stone into the water, little friend," said Grandfather. "It is a large stone. You'll make the moon envious."
"No, Grandfather," said Hai. "First I must attach the rope." He sniffed his running nose.
"Nonsense," said Grandfather.
"Ping told me it was a peaceful way." Hai blinked at the brightness of the moon.
"Then let Ping do it."
Hai shook with new tears.
"Listen to your heart, Grandson," said Grandfather softly. "Your heart knows the wickedness of your mind. It sends tears to warn you."
"I want to come where you are, Grandfather," Hai sobbed. "Uncle is too cruel. I don't want to stay here."
Grandfather said nothing for a long time.
"Are you ashamed of me?" Hai asked, looking down at the stone and the rope.
"No," Grandfather answered. "I am proud of you, little friend. I am proud because I know that you will not do this thing."
"But..."
"Shhh. Listen to me, Grandson. This way does not lead to the place where I am. I died an old man in my bed, surrounded by my children and grandchildren. I died in the peace of my family home. That is the way that leads to the place where I am, Grandson. That is the way you must go."
"But..." Hai sobbed.
"Shhh. That is the way. I have told you so. Your uncle is only a stone, little friend, and you are the sea. I will wait for you at the end of that long road, Grandson."
There was a breeze, cool on Hai's hot cheeks, and Grandfather was gone. Hai sat for a long time, listening to the waves lap against the little boat. Hai almost tipped the boat when he lifted the stone over and dropped it with a deep splash. The stone disappeared into the depths of the sea. It was almost dawn as Hai clumsily rowed the little boat home.
Hai didn't see Grandfather again for many, many years.
Hello, friends. How are you today?
Later. Love.
P. S. - Aphter: 35. Thanks for stopping by.
