The Blue Silence

Every dawn, when the horizon blushed with light, Edward the boat sailor pushed his wooden boat into the silent ocean. To him, the sea was not only water—it was prayer, wisdom, and life itself. He carried travelers, fishermen, and dreamers across the waves, but he never once thought of selling his boat.

“This boat is my companion,” he would whisper. “Not my possession.”

 One evening, the ocean changed. The still water that always welcomed him grew restless. Waves rose high, crashing like furious drums, and before he could anchor it, his beloved boat cracked and began to sink.

Edward watched helplessly as the vessel, his faithful companion, disappeared into the dark blue silence.

For the first time in years, he cried. As his tears touched the water, a shimmer appeared. From the depths, a mermaid rose, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and wisdom.

She held in her hands two shining axes—one golden, one silver. “These axes,” she said, “can bring you great fortune.

 But they are not free. Before I give them to you, answer three questions truthfully. Your answers will decide your fate.”

 The waves stilled. The ocean listened.

 Question 1: “When everything you rely on sinks, what remains for you to stand upon?” Edward answered, “My courage. The world may drown my boat, but it cannot drown my will to sail.”

 Question 2: “Would you choose wealth that is temporary, or wisdom that lasts forever?” He replied, “Wisdom. For wealth ends with the tide, but wisdom builds a boat even from broken wood.”

 Question 3: “Is a companion valuable because of what it gives you—or because of what it means to your soul?” He whispered, “Because of what it means.

 My boat was not wood and nails—it was my teacher.” The mermaid smiled, her eyes glistening like the moon on the sea. “You have answered well. The axes are yours.”

 But Edward shook his head. “Keep them. I need no golden axe, no silver axe. The sea has already given me its treasure—understanding.”

 And as he spoke, the waves grew calm again. From the horizon drifted a small wooden boat, stronger and steadier than before.

Edward stepped inside, his tears replaced by peace. The blue silence was no longer emptiness. It was possibility.