Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 21

***
“Eliza, must you be so concerned about Augustus? The concern is reflecting on the children and unsettling them!” My
Mother implored whilst knitting.
“Mother, it is highly wearing in these circumstances to not fret, particularly when Augustus has not written for a month
when he is captaining the most menacing voyage of his lifetime! I have written numerous letters; to which he has not
responded! I had my concerns and Augustus refused to listen!” I insisted whilst pacing.
“The ship is lost! The ship is lost!” A man screams. I panic and rush outside trembling like a leaf in wind. The man
continually squalls whilst dashing along the road. I halted him and bid to speak through my tears.
“Pardon me, sir. This ship you speak of, is it captained by Mr Wright?” I questioned with dread in my stomach.
“Indeed. The vessel sunk into the waters once a severe storm hit. It is not known the events that followed subsequently.
There is a lack of knowledge regarding whom has persevered through the bedlam.” I grasp my chest towards my heart
and swoon. It is as if time ceased and purloined my life from me. I bellow a cry from my heart that yelped for assistance.
My Mother dashes to my extricate.
“Augustus! Return, my love! I beg of you!” I repeatedly howl as Mother heaves me into the cottage.
I maintain sobbing until I spot Oliver out the corner of my eye.
“Mother? Is, it, is? Father? Mother?” Uttered Oliver as he turned as pale as a phantom. He gaped at me, instantaneously
staggered, and had a convulsion. Oliver trembled like leaves in a storm and then shuddered. I am in a state of disbelief
to comprehend the occurrences before me.
“Augustus!” I wail toward the heavens.
***
This setting was not desirable to naturalise to. I rested the night on the sands in the belief I was delusional. I stand and
observe the shore. The withering heat paved way for the air scents of the sea. Pillowy clouds hover over the golden
peaks through the wandering skies. Solitude embraces me with every waking thought. I instantly picture Eliza with the
family. I instantaneously retrieve my quill, ink, and the insufficient amount of cartridge-paper. I commence
corresponding with Eliza.
***
November 1817, Morning
My dearest Eliza,
Should this letter reach you, let it be an intimation that I have passed. What will become of you and our offspring is a
matter I am uninformed upon. However, soothe yourself, Eliza, as there is one above that will preserve your well-
being and not let you starve.
Your love bestowed upon me the prosperity of kings since you have been paramount of wives. I loved you deeply, to
the extent you shall never comprehend.
Beloved, do ponder of me when the grief has drifted. Converse with the children about me and lest they disregard who
their father was. I beg of you to vow that the children shall comprehend that I shall never neglect them or you, Eliza. I
should not have left you thus bringing such suffering and poverty on a loving wife and children for which in time I beg
you will exculpate me. If the chance should come your way for a gentleman to bestow you an offer, know it would
please me to think you would take it, and not grieve much for me.
So dear beloved, I bid you farewell in the desire to meet once more if there is a hereafter. Know that my final thoughts
were of you, the only one I ever loved, the one who made a man of me.
With promises of unchanging love and faithfulness,
Augustus Wright
***
I conclude the letter with tears streaming down my face. I glance to my left and perceive Officer Taylor above me,
solacing me.
“It is of the highest significance we endeavour our journey home.” Insisted Officer Taylor. I nod in agreement.
Abruptly, sounds of amusement and hilarity are heard by Officer Taylor and I. We exchange perplexed expressions then
instantly bound towards the sounds. We gait each step as we writhe beneath the elevating shrubberies. We arrive at a
base of civilisation attaining urbanity and cultivation. I advance towards one of the men and outstretch my hand. One of
the men stretched their hand out in return.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.” I timidly spoke.
“Sir,” he uttered, “you men are in India. You travelled through the Indian Ocean when confronting the storm. May I
inquire if the Crown sent you?”
“No, sir. Our vessel was voyaging to trade goods with China when our ship encountered a lamentable storm.” Officer
Taylor expressed.