The Ship

His blonde curls melt into his neck, stick to the sweat hiding back there. His overalls pinch his legs, and he wishes someone would let him run around in his diaper like he does at home. It’s warm and the flowers tickle his fingers. He grabs their petals and smashes them between his palms, laughing as they stain his skin pink. He’s running and scooping them up and no one can catch him. He hears someone shouting his name, but he doesn’t turn around. The flowers become an ocean he must steer through, his ship splashing against their stems like the lips of waves. They cry out to him as he passes, shouting praises of his bravery. He tilts the brim of his Captain’s hat at them as he sails on, outwards towards the beckoning sea, his first mate, Monkey, at his side. He spins the ship’s wheel, the wooden handles worn smooth with age as they make their way towards an island whose waters are notorious for their sudden swells and rapids. Monkey shimmies up the foremast, shouting back directions. He spots the ship of the infamous pirate, Pengui, headed their way. Known for his speed and cunning, the pair will have to work fast to outmaneuver him. Monkey pulls the sails and swings from one end of the ship to the other, using the wind to their favor.They hit a set of rapids, and their bow slaps hard against the water, sending waves erupting over the deck and engulfing the entire front half of the ship. Pengui is catching up quickly. He turns the wheel and sends them at full speed towards the island. At Monkey’s command, they take the swells on their port side. The ship tips dangerously, and both he and Monkey fight to stay aboard. They see Pengui hit the swell head on, hear his ship splinter from the impact. The pirate quickly retreats, his ship damaged, but able to sail. They are both whooping in victory when his mom scoops them both up in a hug and they head towards the car.