The Strangeness of Leaving

The next time the tide eased, she got ready to go to town. Made up from sea findings, the things left behind, it would be easy to never go anywhere. Leaving felt a feat, a heroic endeavor. She steeled herself, wellied up, walked over the rocks, down and along the beach into town. At the Ford's boatyard, Mr. Ford was alone, sat on an overturned bucket, not doing much only looking. He turned his face in her direction and moved his chin from side to side. When they were done, she said, you'll take it down to the water for me. And the price rose again, dipped and rose and was settled on