Saved
This is my first completed story. Unfortunately, I can't say it is original, as it was based off of another story. But hey, we all have to start from somewhere. Please feel free to leave constructive criticism in the comments bar. I could use some pointers to help me out with future stories.
Ellen watched the storm at it raged outside. Large storms were common at this time of year and would often come without warning. It was the same type of storm that had claimed her husband's life. He was returning from a voyage when it blew in. The winds were so strong that his ship was blown off course and smashed against the rocks that lined the coast. Sorrow swelled within her as she remembered the tragic even. She turned away from the window, trying to push away the pain as she moved toward the fire. Her son was next to the flames, basking in its warmth as he slept. She kneeled down next to him and stroked his fur. He had worked longer than usual today, starting before the sun rose and continued after it set in order to make enough money to support themselves. When he finally came home, he collapsed by the fire and fell asleep.
A knock at the door brought her mind back to the present. Quietly, she moved toward the door and opened it. An elderly horse stumbled in, pushed by the wind that forced its way into the small home. "McManus," Ellen said as she shoved the door shut, "what are you doing out in this storm?"
"Oh, I was just enjoying the weather," he replied as he gave a wrinkled grin.
"Surely, you must have a better reason for coming this way."
"Actually, yes. I came to... erm.... What was I doing?"
"Maybe you came here to look for your coin pouch?" Ellen suggested.
"My coin pouch? No, I have that right here." He said, patting his empty pocket. "Hmm, I guess it is missing."
"I think I saw it on the counter at the pub. You could try looking there for it."
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea..." McManus agreed as he absent mindedly moved toward the door. Suddenly, his face brightened "Oh, wait! I remember why I came here. I need help from your boys."
"What for?"
"A ship wrecked just outside the harbor. A few other men and I were hoping to go out in a rowboat to rescue as many wash-aways as we can. We could use the extra strength to make it over those storm-blown waves."
"You're going too?" Ellen asked incredulously.
"Of course! My mind not be the same as it used to be, but I still have most of my strength. So," he said, clapping his hands together, "when will your boys be ready?"
"Well, Conner is still recovering from work..."
"That's fine, what about Travis?"
"Travis... Travis hasn't returned."
"Well then, I'll get him, drag him to the harbor and tell the kid he's got work to do. Where is the lad?"
Ellen didn't respond for a while, but instead gazed wistfully out the window toward the sea. "I don't know..."
"Oh, I see. Well, I guess I'll be on my way now."
"Wait"
McManus and Ellen turned around and saw Conner on his feet, wiping the sleep out of his eyes.
"I can go."
Ellen stepped forward in front of Conner.
"Conner, you need to rest."
"I'm not so tired that I can't help."
"I'm sure there are others who could take your place."
"Actually..." McManus interrupted, but was immediately cut off by an angry glare from Ellen.
"Mom, I need to do this."
"And I need you." She pleaded, tears forming in her eyes.
Conner brought Ellen in close, letting her release her tears on his shoulder. Ellen clung to her son, not wanting to let go. Conner spoke once more, but this time with a touch of emotion in his voice.
"I know it's been hard with dad gone and Travis missing at sea, but there are people out there that need my help. If it was me or Travis stranded out there, wouldn't you want someone to come save us?"
Ellen only nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "Don't worry, I will return to you." And with that, Conner stepped outside with McManus into the storm, leaving Ellen alone to weather the storm inside her heart.
Ellen moved about the house, busying herself with whatever she could. "If I'm going to stay up until Conner comes back," she thought, "I might as well be productive." Although with the house now spotlessly clean and the fire well stoked, it was becoming difficult to find things to do. She found herself looking more and more out the window as time went on, hoping she could see some sort of sign that Conner was safe, but all she could see was darkness.
"Don't worry," she whispered to herself, "everything is going to be fine. In a few moments, he's going to come in and say that I was being silly for worrying so much."
Her words did little to comfort herself, as her anxiety continued to grow until it overwhelmed her. Ellen collapsed on the floor, sobbing.
"Oh Conner, please come back. I've lost so much already. You're all I have left. Please come back. Please..." Ellen felt a paw on her shoulder. She spun around and saw Conner standing next to her with a tired smile on his face.
"I'm home."
Ellen lunged forward, letting her tears fly as she embraced him.
"Didn't I tell you I'd come back?"
Ellen nodded, but didn't let go.
"And guess who I found?" Conner asked, gesturing behind him.
Ellen looked up from his shoulder and saw a ragged fur standing next to the doorway. He was completely soaked, rainwater still pouring off of his torn cloths. To anyone else, he would have been completely unrecognizable in his disheveled state, but she immediately knew who it was.
"Travis!"
Ellen grabbed him, pulling him towards herself and Conner. Travis returned the hug while looking over at Conner.
"Think she's gonna be like this all night?" he asked.
"Well considering what you put her through, I wouldn't be surprised if this went on for days."
"Me? What about you? You were only gone for an hour and she was already breaking down."
Ellen smiled as the two continued to argue. It was good to hear their playful banter once more. It was good to have her sons back.
Based off of "You Never Know Who You May Save" by Jacob De Jager