He watches from the deck as the vessel inches away from the pier, slowly, delicately. It’s been years since he’s been on the ferry. Years and a lifetime ago. He’s built a life of accomplishment in the intervening period, free from the past. A life he’s proud of.
All that means, though, is that he just has more to lose.
“I’m not moving it alone! You need to get back here!!”
He keeps on reading the texts as the ferry enters open water, wondering why past mistakes can’t just stay buried.