The push and pull of the ocean's tide; //Kousei

Here to stay
Walk along
Eyes in front
Never look back

---

The push and pull of the ocean's tide lingers within him. The constant pull of the undertow making him relive a feeling as though he is still fighting with it. His throbbing muscles refuse to relax even though he's sitting on dry land. In his hand, he grasps the bottle for dear life and bring it up to his lips. Jax takes his time with the water. Letting the liquid quench his thirst as it runs down his throat. Letting the clear water disappear slowly from his bottle in the rushed anxiety as though the water will disappear if he doesn't drink it now. With each sip, he looks to a new person. The girl that's tugging on and pulling up a net or the boy rowing his boat back to this sandy shore. His eyes seeking out the purpose of the people as they go about their daily routines. Some are already hard at work, while others, like himself, are taking it easy. Though, there aren't many days like this for him. His mom has been unwell the last few weeks and his younger sister is at home taking care of her for the time being. He knows that it's the depression from losing a son. The fear that her other two children will be swallowed up by the ocean or taken to the capitol next. She barely speaks anymore, though it doesn't bother him. He likes the quiet house. He likes the feeling of someone depending on him. It fuels him.

"Jax. Mom won't get up. She just lays there." He remembers hearing his sister tell him just that morning. The truth is just that she just refuses to get up and do anything. It's been a month since he has vanished. Taken by the undertow of the ocean to forever live out the rest of his nonexistant life at the bottom of the sea. She needs to get up and get back to life like I am. She's suppose to have responsiblities like me. Why am I the one doing all the work now? As hard as it was, getting back out into the water was more difficult than just fear that kept me from swimming. However, this is my life. The ocean. The surf. The taste. All of it gives me a reason to live and even more so now. He feels himself gritting his teeth the more he thinks. His whole reason for living is to take care of his mom and sister now. He is the head of house and he is expected to provide. I will provide. I have no choice.

It was almost like a calling when he stepped back into the water the first time after everything had settled down. Now, it was like any other day. Terren's death is over with and gone. Time to deal with what life has given me. Time to start anew.

He finishes up the bottle of water, laying the empty container down on the towel in which he is sitting on. His knees bent upward close to his body, allowing himself to sit still for a moment with his arms draped across his knees. His fingers intertwine like a knotted rope. A heavy sigh escapes his lips letting his body fully relax now. The tension leaving his calves and biceps, the burning sensation a thing of the past. Suddenly, his attention is taken back to the boy that he was watching just earlier row the boat back to shore. He gets out of his boat, loading his hands up and starts to take his catch out. His hands are less than full with a meager amount of fish within his grasp. Jax shakes his head when the boy nodds to him.

"No luck in the water, eh?" He yells out, a half smile forms on his lips. For once, he's glad it's not him with that kind of catch.


WC: 654