The Dock

A father stands upon an old, wooden dock on an ice-cold lake.
On the shore sits his baby daughter; her back to him.
There is a fire there, keeping her warm.

After a time, he sees that the fire is dying.
The father reaches down and pries a piece of the dock away and throws it upon the fire.
The baby is warm and comforted.

Time passes.

A father stands upon an old, wooden dock.
On the shore, a toddler plays with dolls and blocks.

After a time, the toddler shivers.
The father reaches down and pries a piece of the dock away and throws it upon the fire.
The toddler is warm and content.

More time passes.

A father stands upon an old, wooden dock.
On the shore, a teenagers speaks on the phone.

After a time, a young boy’s arms wrap around the teenager, trying to keep her warm.
The father reaches down and pries a piece of the dock away and throws it upon the fire.
The teenagers cuddle close to the fire and are warmed by it.

More time passes.

A father stands upon a plank of wood.
On the shore, a young woman is preparing to leave for a life of her own.

After a time, she sits in front of the dying fire and rubs her hands together.
Suddenly, the fire comes alive and in the distance, she hears a splash.
Walking to the shore, ripples approach her feet, but there is nothing on the water.

She turns back toward the fire and wonders what she missed all these years.