The ocean. Calm and soothing at times, tumultuous and breathtaking at others. Just like life itself, it can be both predictable and unforeseeable. And I am nothing but a pebble on the shore, ready to be swept away by the next tide. Take me with you. Bury me deep inside you. Just like another Titanic, let me sink and be lost in your arms for all eternity.

Takehiko’s feet were surrounded by the dark foamy water, his toes sinking in the wet sand. He stared deeply at the restless ocean where the faint moonlight was reflecting on the surface, making it look like stained glass. The waves were swinging back and forth, tranquilly splashing against the rocks. His naked body was cold, yet he felt so listless. He took one step forward. And another. And another. Until the waters reached his waist. He took a deep breath and held it. With eyes open wide, he submerged, his long brown hair floating in the water as they were getting wet. He dived deeper.

Drawn by a golden light at the sandy bottom, he swam. What a curious light that was. It was calling to him. Singing like a mythical siren, begging him to embrace her to the depths of death. As Takehiko grew closer, curious shadows surrounded him and slithered around his body. By the time he could nearly touch the golden source with his fingertips, the shadows clasped his muscles tight and pulled him away. Bubbles of oxygen escaped his lips as he tried to scream in vain. He tried to break out but the invisible shackles would tighten even more in each of his efforts. He twisted and turned but it was impossible to set himself free. His mouth was muzzled. He was drowning. He looked at the surface with a racing heart and a head full of panic. There was nothing there. With no one to save him, Takehiko closed his eyes and surrendered.

This is how death feels like? Helpless, alone? Every beat of my heart could be the last one.

As he was floating, he felt warm, serene. Weightless, without a single worry. His consciousness was slowly escaping. It was over. He was free.

And it was then when he heard a distant melody coming from the surface like sun filaments piercing through the water molecules. It took him in its arms, giving him one last chance of feeling alive. His nearly lifeless body swayed along to that alien tune. His soul slowly leaked from every pore of his body and travelled within the tunnel the melody had created.

When he was about to reach the liquid threshold and escape into the cosmic aether, the waters changed direction around him, forcing him to dive back. Something was getting closer. To this threat, Takehiko had no fear. It was already too late.

With great effort, he pushed his eyelids open. What looked like a merrow man, with bright yellow-green scales, was swimming towards him, surrounded by effervescence. It drew circles around Takehiko before appearing before him, like a shark preparing to devour its victim. Only when their faces were close did Takehiko realise its human nature, familiar yet unknown. The man tore the shadows away from Takehiko’s face, he pulled Takehiko closer and kissed his lips. A burst of air filled him with life once more.

Takehiko took in the deep forced breath and threw his head backwards. His wet locks stuck on his shirt, spreading the water over the fabric and on his back. He hunched and shivered. It took him a minute or two to realise what was in front of him. He was sitting in an empty open space, on a piano, his fingers were locked on the keys. He had completely forgotten what he was doing there. Why was he there? A piece of his mind felt completely cut off. He stared at the book standing at the piano rack. A half-written piece, ‘Ocean’.

A sharp pain in his chest like water boiling uncontrollably in a broken kettle brought him back to reality. He wrinkled his shirt between his fingers and waited. It hurt so much. He wondered what it was, how to overcome it.

Deep breaths, that should do it. One in, two out, three in, four out. Steady does it.

When he felt ready, he grabbed his pencil and scribbled some music notes in his book, similar to the tune he heard in his dream. Satisfied by the looks of it, he tried the part at the piano. Not enough. Correct. Repeat. Expand. And again.

“Didn’t know this piano was working.”

Surprised by the deep voice that was heard from behind his back, Takehiko turned around. He smiled. Ocean was standing in front of the spiral stairs of the physics building, dressed heavily and holding the handle of a small blue duffle bag. He took off his tweed cap and smiled back.

“You got a haircut,” Takehiko noticed.

“Oh, yes, finally got meself a decent quiff. It was long overdue, I can tell you that much. ”

“Looks good on you. Welcome back. Happy new year.”

“Happy new year.”

“Did you go anywhere for the holidays?”

“I did,” Ocean nodded. “Spend a few days back home.”

“Dublin? Was it good?”

“It was alright. How about you?”

“Nothing exciting,” said Takehiko and tidied up his notes. He put them in a small plastic case and stood up. “We went to see our grandma in Osaka, watched some fireworks, came back. I’d never thought I’d say this but I’ve really missed Brighton’s Christmas market... Anyway. Would you like to chat over some coffee? I could use some right now.”

“I uhh- well I suppose. I came to do a bit of work you see.”

“But you just came back from the airport!”

“‘Tis the life of a grad,” Ocean chuckled. “It’s just one of the people I work with sent me some corrections while I was away and I’d like to check’em A.S.A.P. You can join me if you like, I’d appreciate some company.”

Takehiko hesitated. “I-I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Nonsense. I only have five things to type and an hour to wait to see results, like. Unless,” Ocean said and gave his chin a jerk towards the piano, “unless you want to continue your practice. I loved what you were playing.”

“Thanks. I… Are you sure I can come?”

Ocean nodded and Takehiko followed him to a part of the building he didn’t even know it existed.