Day Seven Hundred Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our two young people talked freely, so freely that the Captain and I excused ourselves and left them to Elijah to chaperone. Feelings were expressed on both sides and each was gratified by those mutual yearnings. But as Tomas emphatically explained it, the times were such that any normal relationship was impossible.

So with the new day Tomas was again looking after every one’s well being. He lead us out by the road from the lake having ascertained its safety. We made good time and at the approach of any intruders, he had us well hidden.

Mei appears non-phased by it all. In fact, I sense a subtle change in her demeanor. She seeks to serve each of us.

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Day Five Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Raj twins, (for such they are), awakened us early and led us on a serpentine crawl across the face of the city. I would not like to make the trip any later.

Elijah reflected an unruffled demeanor upon entering the shipyard. I, by contrast, could not contain my excitement at the prospect of reuniting with the Captain and the crew of the ship.

Two vessels were on the stocks in the dry docks, but neither one was ours. The twins left us at the shipyard office to make our queries.

To our joy the Captain emerged from the office as we were climbing the stairs.

To our questions he gestured to the first in a line of waiting ships.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain and the Purser returned to the ship after a day ashore on a quest for news about their families. Everyone else was confined to the ship in their absence. Both went out hopeful, but came back drained.

Elijah could see it in their demeanor as they neared the dock, so he descended to meet them. Some of the crewmen confronted the Captain to beg leave to go into the city also, but he refused to hear their pleas.

Later, he recounted the tale of their day to us and Tomas. They found the Purser’s home abandoned but undisturbed. The Captain’s, however, showed signs of violence.

I sense he has steeled himself and will focus only on his duty.

Day Three Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I should have paid more attention to Tomas. To his state of being.

But his duties kept him out of our sight and busy. And the Captain, not yet familiar with his personality, had no standard against which to judge any seeming anxiety or concern in his new First Mate.

Our paths crossed today. Off duty, Tomas stood idly by the rail, staring blankly into the sea. I gauged his demeanor to be due to homesickness, and tailored my comment in an effort to bring him out of his funk. It failed.

I sent for Elijah who got to the bottom of the matter. He assured Tomas that his family is safe and like him had a job to do.