Ch. 8: West Ocean Hall (SUN)
As I walked through the castle-like ship, I was greeted everywhere with friendly smiles.
Douglas came to stand in front of a door, then turned to look at me.
Douglas: “This is my room.”
He opened the door as he spoke, pride suffusing his voice, and gestured me inside.
OO: “P-pardon the intrusion.”
Douglas: “Go ahead.”
I gave a slight nod and entered one step at a time, however…
My heart was anything but calm, pounding loudly in my ears and growing increasingly louder with each step I took.
This is… Douglas’ room.
I looked around, and the room was so extravagant and spacious that I had trouble imagining it was inside a ship.
OO: “It’s beautiful… it’s like a room you’d find in a hotel.”
Douglas: “It’s a lot of space for just me. So, you can move in anytime you want OO.”
OO: “Eh!?”
Douglas: “Haha, kidding.”
That mischievous smile spread across his face.
Th-that startled me…
In an attempt to hide my reddened face, I pretended to look around the room and turned away from Douglas.
Then…-.
OO: “What’s this…?”
My eyes caught on something that looked like a large map spread across a desk.
Douglas: “Ah, this is the nautical chart I got today. From here, we’ll head northeast to the trench called the West Ocean Hall…”
All these words I didn’t know went in one ear and out the other, and I looked on in confusion.
Then, as if realizing, Douglas placed his hand on my head.
Douglas: “It’s alright if you don’t understand. I got information that said there’s an area near the trench where the tide brings things to the shore.”
OO: “Things that wash up on the shore…”
Douglas: “Meaning ships that sank a while ago with their cargo could have that cargo wash up.”
As I listened, my doubt and confusion was snuffed out as I realized the objective.
OO: “Then… you’re going to search for something of your father there?”
Douglas: “You got it! I think we’ll set sail tomorrow morning while it’s still dark. It won’t be too dangerous, so you should be able to enjoy the trip, like a sightseeing cruise.”
OO: “Alright…!”
Full of anticipation, I nodded emphatically.
I’m getting excited…!
Afterwards…
I left Douglas’ room and made my way to the deck where the people were crowded.
Douglas: “Get ready men, we’re setting sail tomorrow morning! Navigation officer, I need to meet with you.”
Douglas bellowed his orders which were answered with an enthusiastic reply from the sailors.
I want to do something to help too, to help Douglas in his search for his father…!
I clenched my fist, overcome with strong determination.