Flash Fiction Monday

The Ferry Across Willow Vale

By Andy Zimmer

Jacob’s hands gripped the railing as the last of the passengers stepped onto the ferry. The lake stretched wide before him, fog curling along the water, soft industrial hums drifting from the city behind. His airship creaked under the weight of both people and responsibility, and a knot of tension tightened in his chest. He hated feeling unprepared, hated that he couldn’t smooth over every flaw, every uncertain gust of wind.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure standing at the edge of the dock. Lean, dark-haired, loose layers of clothing that looked as if no one had told him to tidy up. There was a faint smile tugging at the stranger’s mouth, like he had already seen some private joke unfold. Jacob’s first thought was irritation — who was this person watching? Yet there was something in the steady, observant gaze that unsettled him precisely because it didn’t feel threatening. It was familiar. Comfortable. And that made him pause.

The figure stepped quietly onto the vessel behind the last passenger. He paid his fare without a word, letting the coins clink softly into Jacob’s hand. Jacob collected them quickly, keeping his movements brisk, but the stranger’s eyes remained fixed on him with a steady, unyielding intensity. Jacob felt… seen. Bare. It made his chest tighten. He finished the transaction and retreated to the tiller, hands gripping it a little harder than necessary, heart still caught in that strange, uncomfortable awareness.

The ferry glided across the lake, passengers chatting and laughing, the occasional cough or rustle of clothing breaking the rhythm. Jacob focused on steering, adjusting ropes and levers, but he couldn’t shake the weight of the stranger’s gaze, lingering at the back of his mind like a quiet pulse. The tension in the small vessel was subtle but constant, a taut line between duty and something entirely unexpected.

When the passengers disembarked at the far shore, their goodbyes and laughter fading into the mist, Jacob exhaled, expecting the boat to be empty. But one passenger remained. The stranger was still there, sitting casually, as if he had all the time in the world.

Jacob froze, a mix of confusion and something warmer tightening his chest. “You… you didn’t get off?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The stranger tilted his head, a small, mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “I was enjoying the ride,” he said lightly, eyes glinting. “Seems a shame to stop when the wind is this good. I’ll even pay extra if you take me around for the day.”

Jacob hesitated, then nodded. “All right… but don’t expect me to make it easy on your wallet.”

The stranger chuckled, letting the wind brush across his hair. “Good. I’m counting on you to earn them, then.”

Jacob felt a strange mix of pride, nervousness, and quiet amusement as he guided the vessel back onto the lake. The day stretched ahead, full of fog, wind, and the unspoken game playing between them. And somehow, that was more than enough.