I wandered aimlessly down the high-street and a familiar shadow caught my eye . It was the woman who threw flowers into the harbour .
She was standing in the same spot . The boats rocked in the basin and their lines clinked against mastheads . She looked like an abandoned figurehead divided from the prow of her ship .
I made my way up the knobbly , sea-worn steps to where she stood . The closer I got to her the more human she looked . I waited and watched her prise off her wedding ring and drop it into the water .
She was crying and whispering disjointed words :
' Catch me , George .’ ‘ God .’ ‘ Catch me , beloved .’ She took a step forward . I heard myself say , ' Don ' t .'