It happened every once in a while that something struck her, a word, a thought, a memory, and the real world just faded away, plunging her back into the darkness and pain of what came before.

The River raged and fought, usually to no avail, helplessly drowning in her own waves, until finally, thankfully, it passed.

When she woke to reality at last, a warmth enveloped her, welcoming her home, as she looked into the smiling faces of her captain and the crew of family, knowing with certainty that things would get better.