I walked absentmindedly along the street. Then, realizing I would need a place to stay, I tried to think back to where I saw an inn. After a half hour of wandering around, I finally found an inn and booked a room for a night. I didn’t plan to stay in this town for much longer. I’d already gotten closer than I anticipated to other pirates, so It would be much safer farther inland.

The following morning I began planning where I would go next. I would need to buy food to take on the journey. I left the inn and headed towards the market. I was about to purchase some apples when I saw someone in the corner of my limited vision. “That couldn’t be him… It shouldn’t be possible…” I thought. Then the figure turned around and looked at me. After a moment of hesitation, the person’s eyes flashed with recognition, and he began walking towards me.

The figure was a bird-man with mostly blue feathers. He also had yellow and brown feathers on his tail and his chest. He wore no shoes, because of his clawed feet, and had a red scarf tied around his head. My curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to meet the bird-man. I was right. It was who I thought it was. “Is that you, Casper?”

“I knew I recognized that cloak!” Casper gasped. “You survived too?”

“Of course,” I said coldly. Casper looked at the ground and rubbed his neck sheepishly.

“Right, I should have known. It’s just that- I think we’re the only ones…”

“No. You are the only one. Tell them all I died.”

“What?! But you- you can’t-” Casper looked shocked. “You’re not going back?!”

“Quiet.” I glanced around at the people on the street, but no one was paying attention. “Don’t tell me what I can or cannot do. No, I’m not going back.”

“But why? You’re-”

“That is exactly why,” I snapped, cutting him off, “I’m done with that life.”

“Oh. Alright, I understand.”

“Thank you,” I said more softly.

“I’ll tell them you died in the most terrifying storm I’ve ever witnessed!” Casper added energetically. I laughed, and Casper smiled a little.

“I don’t really care what you tell them. You could say I tripped and fell overboard in calm waters for all I care.” I laughed again. “That would be pretty funny, actually…” Casper stared blankly.

“Don’t you want to be remembered with an epic death?”

“I don’t really care. Besides, I don’t want to be remembered.” Casper and I stood together silently for a few moments.

“Well, it’s nice to know you’re still out here,” Casper added.

“You’re the only one who could possibly think that,” I said with a sad smile in my voice. “It’s good to know you’re still here as well.” Casper smiled and walked away, leaving me alone in the crowded street.