Up above it was bright, but the hold was dark. Thin shafts of light fell like bars, blinding us to all else. Somewhere a chain swung like a bell, calling us to mass. Soon the sounds of the crew grew faint. The ship creaked around us, groaning like some great best stirring in its sleep. John walked on, his shadow guiding me deeper into the hold. Outside I could hear the call of gulls, but that was another world. I followed him down, uncertain where he would lead me, but certain I would never find my way back without him.