Inette's Sanctuary: Part 2

Inette’s mother’s words repeated in her head over and over. “Your father and I won’t be around forever to protect you.” And “the sooner you admit you’re afraid, the sooner you can conquer your fear.”

Inette knew her mother was right. She would not be under their protection forever. But being afraid? Never! She only, as she said, grew tired fast. It’s hard work to talk to people, to say and do the right things; to not let them see you for who you are for fear that- No, not fear. For worry, yes, that is the word, she thought, worry that they would not like who you truly are. But, did she know who she truly was?

She loved the river. She loved the animals. She loved her parents, and Captain Reigner. These were the only people in the world who saw her for herself, and loved her. But to everyone else, she cast them off. Was this all there was to her?

Her feelings of inadequacy filled every aspect of her thoughts, and she was lost deep within them when she became disturbed at the sound of an unwelcome voice.

“Forgive me,” said Captain William. “I Only meant to see if the peace of this place was as true as yesterday. I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I am here every day, at all hours,” Inette replied.

“I see. I can find another place, if you wish to be alone.”

“That is the wish of my entire existence.”

William, grinning in amusement, said, “Surely not.”

Inette only showed resolve in her statement.

William became serious and asked why.

“Do I need a reason?”

“I believe you do. You are so young, how could you cast off the world so easily?”

Inette moved her eyes about the scenery that surrounded her, looking for an answer. “Is it so wrong to want to be alone?” she asked.

“I think so.”

“What is it you wish for?” Inette asked, hoping to find a fault in the captain to reproach him with.

“To travel, and see all the world as it is now. Then travel again to see how it has changed. Then I want to settle down in the one place I shall fall in love with, and live there for the rest of my days.”

Inette was surprised by such a dream as this. Not knowing how to attack she only said, “That is quite an ambition.”

“I don’t think it’s half big enough.”

Inette showed confusion on her face.

“I believe that life is precious, and we should do all that we can with this gift God has given to every living person.”

Inette was cut to the quick. This man, not only believed in God, but lived his beliefs. His argument was strong, and Inette felt ashamed that she had not done more with her rich seventeen years.

She wanted to ask him how old he was, but she had already ventured from her comfort zone long enough. And if William wasn’t going to leave, then she would.

“Good day, to you, sir,” she said with a curtsy. Then she turned to walk away.

“Please, stay. I will leave,” said William.

“I must be getting home.” And without looking back, she continued on.

Inette thought about this conversation, in bed that night. How could he be so brave and fearless? Could she ever be like him?

The more she thought about William the more he became something of a fantasy to her. She could imagine him sailing across the sea, giving orders to his loyal men; his long strawberry blond hair blowing in the wind; his blue eyes focused on what was ahead; his strong body poised to stand against whatever would contradict his plans.

She then realized how easy it was to talk to him, even though she had only known him a couple of days. She felt a conflict rising between her thoughts and feelings. She wanted to see William again. But her worry said no.