The Fisherman's Cabin (Part 2)

The second and final part of my short story The Fisherman's Cabin (I had to split it due to the character limit). Do read Part 1 first, or this probably won't make sense!

The light coming through the tiny window of the cabin had turned, by this time, a shade of pale indigo, as though evening were fast approaching – if even ordinary day or night existed in this unfathomable place. She was seized by a sudden desire to know more about the river she must have been borne upon to arrive on the bank in such a way. Where did it flow from, and what great sea might receive its waters if she only knew? For it had surely never been a part of all she had ever known; her family's domain. Yet again the mysterious stranger interrupted her thoughts.

"You must not trouble your mind about this place. It is but a stage on your journey, and you will not be here much longer. The hour grows" – he glanced at the window – "very short. One further thing I must explain to you...and yet you well know the truth of part of it already! I shall put it plainly. You are dreaming."

She blinked. "Dreaming! So none of this is real? And I'll wake up any moment in my bed...in – in my own dear attic..." The tears began to well up again, despite her newly blossoming hope. The Fisherman shook his head.

"You misunderstand, my Lady. This is real. All of it. But equally – it is a dream. The living have always sought to separate dreams from reality, but there is no separation to be made without creating an illusion far greater than any dream. Reflect. Did you not always know this, in your heart? What about the romantic tales you used to read, that took you to far-off lands on fine adventures?" All at once she smiled. Yes. It was true. She hadn't been alone. He continued:

"The fact remains that you alone, disregarded and misunderstood, held the secret of a beautiful life in your hand and head. And now the time has come for you to pass into other dreams. To travel through many worlds and changing landscapes until you find someone who will give your soul the love it has so long deserved. And you will find them; you will be real to each other. Because it's as I told you, you see: we may be characters falling off a page, but that cannot prevent us opening new chapters."

As he spoke these words, the cabin seemed to fade and dissolve around them. Once more they were standing on the riverbank, but now within a strange obscuring mist, white yet simultaneously full of shadow and the hint of colours just outside the corner of the eye. And yet she was not afraid. She was beginning to understand the purpose of this adventure. It was a purpose that she had always wished for herself, and now at last she might be able to fulfil it. She turned to thank her benefactor – and was momentarily shocked to see that the Fisherman himself was quickly becoming shrouded by the mist. "Time for you to leave", she heard him sigh. "Good luck on your journey, and remember what I have said. Farewell, Lady Fuchsia."

She sensed that he was gone, as if with a wistful smile and a breath of air. And for the first time in what seemed like all living memory, her own smile brightened her face. The mist was enveloping her entirely. In another instant, she knew, it would transport her into another dream.
"Don't be frightened...", she murmured. And smiled in anticipation of adventures to come.
"...Wait and see".


Thanks to: Mervyn Peake for Gormenghast, Francis Cabrel for La Cabane Du Pêcheur, Mika for Any Other World, and Queen for It's A Hard Life.