Lightning flashed, brightening the sky. Thunder quickly followed, shuddering the sea. The sailors of the ship Fortuna fought against the storm to stay a float, pulling hard on the sails. The waves crashed against the side of the wooden ship, sending salty water overboard and drenching the crewman.

“Hold steady!” shouted the captain as he choked through the water and turned to a sailor at his side. “Where’s the lady?”

“Safe in her chamber, Captain,” replied the sailor.

“Good.” He glanced at the sky. “I see a break in the clouds!”

The sailors looked up and saw, indeed, a parting in the clouds. The storm was sure to calm down.

“We’ll be able to regain control!” said another sailor.

“Aye, we will, but until then, stick to your post!” the captain replied fiercely.

The sailor nodded and returned to tending the sails.

Suddenly, with another flash of lightning, a cliff emerged into view. Its rocky edges sparkled menacingly with each flash of light.

All eyes stared upon the monster in awe.

Oh no, thought the captain. We’re heading directly into those rocks. “Drop the anchors on the port side—veer left!”

“But Captain, there’s no time!” shouted a sailor.

“Don’t tell me there’s no time! DeLear, bring the lady from her chamber and give her a life belt!”

The Sailor called DeLear nodded and proceeded to the chamber.

There’s no hope for us men, thought the captain.

He stood, watching and waiting as the ship jerked to the left when the anchors caught the shallow ocean floor. Hoping to just miss the cliffs, he turned the wheel hard.

The ship wasn’t slowing. The captain and his crewmen knew that they had sailed their last voyage.

They watched, hearing nothing else around him, as the cliff ripped into the ship with a deafening roar.

Clarisse awoke with a start, shivering in a cold sweat. “It was just a dream, “ she said, trying to steady her trembling hands. “Just a dream.” She looked around and took in her surroundings.

She was lying on a sandy white beach, next to the ocean. The foamy blue water played with her hands, splashing them and then recoiling before splashing her again, soaking the hem of her white dress. To her right stood a small white church surrounded by a mass of purple flowers. Its bell tingled sweetly in the breeze. The sound soothed Clarisse and she inhaled the salty spray of seawater, reminiscing about the blissful boat rides with her darling fiancé.