15/12/1937
To My Dear Sarah: Its been awhile since i last saw you. I'm sorry, but after what happened at home, I just couldn't find a way to stay back you with guys any more. It has taken a toll on me and I just can't bear to be home again. I guess you already know what has happened in the family, it is tragic, so I have decided to moved on.
As i left home, I wondered about the docks hoping to find a job away from all this madness and sorrow. Boats were all in the dock and crews were taking a break for winter. Weather was freezing. I met this Captain by the name of Captain Nehemiah. He owns a small oiler vessel that carries oil to many cities in the world and he needed a janitor and cooking crew. You must be thinking with my qualifications I must be crazy but I took the job at 2$ an hour. This baby is an old ship almost a century old but shes still a beauty. Captain has done a good job keeping it in shape and keeping its sea legs operational. I heard sailors have died in this vessel before. Ugh that scares me.
Sarah, please don't come looking for me, the boat has left the port last week, and I am headed over the horizon. I know you want to see me, but I don't want to see you. Please honour my wish. You won't be seeing me for a long long time but I am writing you this letter to let you know that I am okay and to ask that you not worry about me.
As we set sail, all the troubles that plagued both of us seemed so distant, like a dream, and now all that I see is a wide open ocean with nothing in its way. It is as though the ship will continue sailing for a thousand years and never stop. The horizon seems so distant, yet with everyday, it remains the same. It is like a dream that cannot end, a tale that continues on and on, a goal that cannot be reached. Captain tells me it's something mysteries the horizon is. After all he knows best, he's been on this ship for more than 30 years. I guess he has seen everything. He says he's from a small town in Arkansas but I don't buy it. He looks more like a New Yorker. Sounds like one too.
Now Sarah, I am curious, hows the boy? Has he been well fed and being taught well? I heard he loves the sight of strangers. I'm glad to see he is still as cute as ever. He was given to us by your aunty isn't that right? She thought a dog would comfort us as we endured the tragedy at home. It DID NOT HELP. I cried even more when the dog was around. As he sat himself on my lap and tucked his head when I was down. That damn old dog was one of the only friends in the world come to think about it. But in the end, what had to happen still happened and it wasn't fair to you or to me. I know you feel the same way and you also wish it could have played out differently. Stop hiding your emotions. You hated the way it happened. Why do you still stay ?
As I write you this letter, I am nearly 30000 miles away from home, and i send you my love.
Signed,
Arthur
Your loving .......
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