“No,” I reply, still out of breath. “I lost … I, um, I wear my wife’s wedding ring on a chain around my neck. And I came out here and—” The wave of grief that slams into me is unbearable. Seconds ago, I was laughing harder than I have in months. Now, my throat is closing. “—the chain broke … and Nicole’s ring … it …”

All her merriment evaporates in an instant. Her mouth hangs open and she even chokes up. “Oh, Daniel …”

“It’s gone,” I say, managing little more than a whimper. “I lost it … It’s gone … I’m losing her, again …”

It’s taking everything I have to hold back the sobs but there’s no stopping my tears.

Mildred puts a comforting hand on my back.

For a while, we do nothing but sit and stare out at the water. Occasionally, a breeze will pass and gentle waves will lap against the support poles of the pier. Mildred remains silent the whole time, calmly rubbing my back with her hand. It’s exactly what I need. Eventually, I’m able to get myself under control.

“Thank you, Mildred,” I sigh.

“You want me to bring you some whiskey?”

“Nah. I appreciate it, but I’m good.”

“Suit yourself.” She stands and looks at the weeds that are starting to wash up on the shore. “Your beach is a mess. You should probably get a rake to clean it up.”

I stare at the butchered rake head in my hand.

She jokingly nudges me with her knee. “Don’t worry, you can borrow mine.”

She walks back down the pier and heads towards her house.

I’m gonna sit out here for a little while longer.

*

After a few minutes, I’m back at it.

I feel like if I stop, then I’m giving up on Nicole.

I toss the rake out from the pier and it sinks into the water. The rope gradually slides off the pier after it. It takes almost a minute for it to stop as the rake reaches the bottom. There’s no way Nicole’s ring is that far out, but I don’t care.

I start slowly pulling it in. There are brief moments of resistance as it rips the few remaining weeds out of the mud. I keep pulling, careful not to go too fast, so that it stays in the mud. It finally arrives at the bottom off the edge of the pier. I keep pulling. There’s almost no resistance as it begins to rise.

I’m already scouting where to throw it next. Just one more time. I wonder if there’s some way that I can get it und—

The rope stops.

I pull but it doesn’t budge.

Slowly, it begins sinking back into the water, like there’s a massive weight on the other end.

I tighten my grip and p—

Shit!

The rope yanks me down.