Jump

The map was pretty clear about where we were. Where the boat was going had already been planned, and I was familiar with the waters. It was a comfortable feeling, knowing the trip ahead. Where we were going. What to expect. I was content.

About a hundred yards ahead there was a fork in the river. No bother, I thought. I know which path I'm going to choose, because that's the path this ship is sailing. I boarded this ship for a reason. I'm going to stick with it. I know these waters. I am content.

And besides, changing course is not an option. I'm not steering.

I glanced to the side and saw another ship, five feet away. Where did that ship come from? There was no warning of it at all.

The ship was different, certainly. Not at all what I knew, what I was used to. But nevertheless, there it was, sailing alongside the ship I was on. I realized I knew nothing about that ship or where it was going, really.

All I knew about that ship was that I could board it, if I chose to. Right now. I could cross the distance and sail down the other fork of the river. All it would take was a single sure-footed jump.

But what of the ship I was on? I would never see it again, in all likelihood. For it would pass from my sight immediately upon making the jump and sail on. Sail on into the waters I knew but could never return to.

Up ahead it was only 40 yards now. Only a matter of seconds until the second boat would be gone, for good. Only a matter of seconds until the new ship, the new path, the new river, and all that was down that fork would be forever left to my imagination.

I take back what I said before; I knew something about that second ship. I knew I was fond of it. I couldn't pinpoint why, but it was discernibly attractive. Obviously tempting.

Just one jump away.

One single jump.

Only ten yards now.

Five yards.

And one eternal moment later, the second boat is gone.

And I'm sailing in familiar waters.

And onward I pass through the fork, and away sails the second ship.




That night I gaze at the stars. I did not jump. I am on the ship on which I chose to sail. I am on the path I know. It makes sense.

Somewhere in the world is a second ship, under the same stars, and I can't help but wonder-

where should I have gone, if I had jumped?