The water is rather busy today, sending the small white paddleboat moving through the water. It’s not at all cool like Tonya predicted, but sunny and clear. Alex rows the small boat, slapping the oars into the water. They have no real direction in sight; just the idea of being out and enjoying the city is direction enough. It’s a good day for the couple, celebrating their year anniversary. Life is abundant in the oasis of coffee drinkers, poets, readers, writers, and tourists. Yachts and boats of all sizes can be seen taking advantage of Earth’s most valuable treasures. The elements combine with the senses to these two of how lucky they are to have one another. Tonya sits back in the boat watching him row, observing how his chest muscles contract as his arms turn. The red polo shirt he has on covers his torso, but she can still see his body structure. The sun shines down on his legs, exposed because of his shorts, making them glisten. Thoughts of this being unreal enter her mind, wondering also what he’s thinking about. Turning to look in the distance, Alex observes her new direction, and focuses on her long, elegant neck. The soft breeze lifts her hair briefly off her right shoulder, but rests back on the collar of the white shirt she’s wearing. Closing her eyes and smelling the fresh air, Alex admires her long lashes, and those beautiful long legs that emerge from her tan shorts.  It amazes him how beautiful she is, moving his eyes from the edge of her shorts where her legs and the edge meet, down to her feet, exposed by her sandals. Looking back into her face, he notices her looking at him. “Can I help you sir?” she asks in a sweet seductive voice. “Trust me, you already have.” The two smile, still amazed that their love still feels brand new.

Alex is running out of gas, starting to pant a little bit. They decide to dock the boat to walk for a little while. As he rows to the edge of the pier, the boat hits the side of the wooden ramp and makes a thudding sound. The water between the boat and the ramp resembles the sound of sitting in a bathtub, hearing the water touch the sides of the bath. Alex rests the oars inside and braces himself to step out of the boat. His black tennis shoes grip the boards and he lifts out the boat, tying it off immediately. Extending his hand, Tonya takes hold and climbs out with him. The man in charge of the service comes over to offer some assistance, but they’ve already got things under control. Alex shakes the small gentleman’s hand, and off they walk on their day of relaxation and celebration. Hand in hand the couple walks the path that follows along the pier and enjoys the historic views of Seattle. About a mile from where they were boating, they arrive at the piers that are the shipping lanes. It’s such a busy area, and full of traffic on the accompanying street. Alex spots something interesting. All the beauty and activity in this city amazes them, but Alex sees Pier 35, a closed down shipping area that is surrounded by mystery, folklore, and death. It’s somewhat of a legend in the city. “Baby, let’s go in there for a moment.” Tonya looks at Alex as if he’s crazy.

“Now Alex, I’ve done some crazy things in my life, but I’m thinking this isn’t a good idea. I’ve heard about this place. Look at the sign,” she says pointing in its direction, “It says off limits, Pier 35.”

“Come on, stop being superstitious…there’s no one around here to even notice. As long as we stay on the path, we’ll be fine. I’ve been hearing about this place since I’ve been here. I wanna see it with my own eyes. It’s fascinating to see the legend up close. Besides, I might wanna get some ideas for the book I’m writing. Come on…please….” Tonya thinks about it for a moment.

“You don’t play fair. You know I won’t say no. You buster.” Alex takes her hand and they walk through the entrance of the pier that’s still in operation. Walking gingerly, they try to avoid the few employees working on the neighboring pier. They move closer to the actual pier area, walking over the cracks in the concrete leading to the actual pier. The long concrete and wood pier extends past the tall and wide building for storage. Tires marks, broken bottles, concrete stumps all litter the area. Tonya is initially nervous, but finds her curiosity opening up. Walking the distance of the building, they emerge to see the pier, with its rusted gates, one of which is broken. “Did that happen when that car lost control and went into the water?” Tonya asks. Alex looks around, trying to recall the story. “Remember, it was on the news some time ago. They were racing down here and some kid lost control and went into the water.” Alex stands there thinking for a moment, “Oh yeah, I remember that.” Alex walks to the edge of the pier with Tonya inching slowly behind him. They both look at the sight and find it all very amazing. Their heads turn from left to right, observing history. The sounds of the water can be heard slapping the huge wooden logs that surround the pier. Feathers blow past their eyes, as many birds have made this their home. Alex takes a seat along the pier, allowing his feet to dangle. Tonya joins him and sits, staring at him, wondering why he’ so taken with this place. She looks out into the scope of the water, feeling captured by its beauty. This place has some beautiful views of the city, as they sit hand in hand, sharing such peace and quiet. “This is really beautiful. This isn’t the craziest thing we’ve done but it’s by far the most nerve wrecking.” Tonya comments. He smiles at her while observing the traffic moving across the bridge. Tonya rests her head on his shoulder, forgetting they are sitting on the infamous and mysterious Pier 35, but realizing that someone they both once loved dearly, lost their life here.

The End

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On our About the Expert page, you can learn more about the author, including contact information and other posts they've written. About Rajah Smart, M.A. ED.