Of course, that's what you meant." Austin picked up his wrinkled napkin and placed it on his lap. "I wonder what is taking the steak so long."
After their meal arrived, Austin told stories about the men on the ship. Hayley was interested in the background of each shipmate she was getting to know.
She could see that Austin was happy in his new life and was thankful as well, that she was allowed to leave the only life she had ever known, even if only for a short time.
Hayley and Austin walked in silence back to the ship.
When they reached the dock, Hayley turned to Austin.
"Thank you so much for the delicious dinner. I am so glad you invited me."
"I had a good time as well."
"Austin, I am sorry that I have been difficult at times. I have acted like a school girl, and I want to say how sorry I am that I was hurt by the breakup of our friendship, and I want you to know that I completely understand. We don't ever have to speak of it again."
"I don't want our friendship to break up and that is why I am here with you tonight."
"I wanted there to be more between us."
Hayley reached up and covered his lips with her fingers. "We both wanted more. Friendship is the most valuable thing we have, and I do not want to surrender it."
Austin nodded in agreement and placed Hayley's shawl around her shoulders as they boarded the ship.
_ _
Hayley woke up to the sound of more cargo being loaded to the ship. She knew when she opened her eyes that it was late morning.
As she got dressed, she realized the long sleep had caused her to miss breakfast. She went to the galley to find something to eat.
There was a man sitting in the darkened room. She saw steam rising from a cup, sitting alongside a book, in front of him.
Hayley approached the stove and stirred the contents of a huge pot.
"Nothing but porridge." The man spoke.
"It smells good." She said.
"If you like porridge, I guess it smells alright."
Hayley reached for a bowl and scooped a ladle of the sticky substance into it.
"I don't remember meeting you."
"Yes, well, I came on board this morning." The shadowed figure spoke.
"What's your name?" Hayley approached him. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness as she reached the table.