I collapsed on the stairs. The roller coaster of emotions I just experienced got the better of me, I started to cry. Why did I screw up every good thing that ever happened to me? With each of my actions, an even worse one awaited me. Was I cursed? 

 

 

          Among my good deeds, Katy heard my sorrows and came to comfort me. She was such a brillant child, I couldn't get her involved in the whole thing. I had tu pull myself together for this girl, and bring her to a safe place. After that, I will leave until I am forgotten. 

 

 

          The first thing I had to do was regain my composure. To do so, I went to the bathroom and dyed my hair blonde. Queen Isabel knew what I looked like, I had to change my appearance. It was the first time in my life that I had this color and I was rather delighted with the rendering!

 

 

            "So Katy, what do you think of my new color, do you like it?"

She looked at me with a huge smile. 

"I like it too! Thank you for your support earlier, I was a bit lost. You know what? I get dressed and we leave. Wiecek left me a boat and I want an adventure at sea!"

Katy was even happier, she applauded to show her joy. 

 

 

            We set out. I put on a mask to hide my face, just in case. Queen Isabel was far more powerful than she let on. If she was able to destroy the Diamond City cartel to take over, it meant she managed to make a deal with the corrupt mayor. It was none of my business anymore, I had a girl to look after before I departed from the Commonwealth.

 

 

          When we got close to the docks, I explained the upcoming events to Katy:

"Hey kid, we're almost there! Once we reach the boat, I'll take off the mask. I'm a wanted woman now, apparently some people didn't like our train ride. I don't want you to be in danger so I'm going to take you to a very good friend of mine who runs a small town up north. He'll protect you and teach you all kinds of helpful tips!"

Katy looked at me and agreed. I was expecting a more... dramatic reaction. I assumed wrong.

 

 

          The boat was docked between two piers, and sized perfectly for a sea voyage. 

"Wiecek never disappoints, did I ever tell you that? I love our ship, what do you think Katy?"

She looked at it with a huge smile on her face.

"That makes two of us! Come on, let's sail away my dear matey!"

 

 

            I started the engines and headed for Salem town. I also made the trip last as long as possible. I wanted to maximize my time with Katy. The land was so beautiful from the sea. You could almost forget about all the abominations that populated it.

 

 

          After a day of travel, we arrived in Salem at sunset. I radioed Barney to meet us at the dock. I enjoyed the last moments with Katy, she loved the trip. It pained me to leave such a young and spirited character behind, but I had no choice. I didn't think I would be able to forgive myself if something bad happened to her because of my mistakes.

 

 

          "Calista, what a surprise! Did you have a good time? Are you coming back to support the Salem militia?"

"Hi Barney, sorry to disappoint you but no, I have to go. This is Katy and I want you to take care of her for a while. You'll be surprised at the things she can do. You told me I was always welcome here, so prove it by treating Katy right. I'll come back when I don't have any more threats hanging over my head."

"Alright then. I wish you luck on your journey."

 

 

            I gave Katy one last hug and said goodbye while holding back my emotions:

"You'll be fine here. I'm sorry to leave you, but when everything is back to normal, I'll be back for you Katy, I promise."

She was sad during our embrace too. It made my heart break harder. 

 

 

            I set course for the south. I returned to the deck and stared at Salem as it faded from the horizon. I didn't believe in God, but I did pray for Katy.

"Whoever is listening, please spare Katy from the Commonwealth's perils."

I was neither a saint nor a fiend. Just a woman survived in the harsh wastelands.

 

 

          Back on my own, I had to clear my head. I took off my shoes and painted my toenails. I did the same with my hands, removed my rings and painted my fingers too. I still had some white nail polish left over from when I worked with Kimy... It's been more than 4 months since, time went by so fast... It was a little thing, but it had the virtue of taking my mind off Wiecek and Katy and reminding me from my good times in Goodneighbor. 

 

 

            I changed my clothes before going to bed. I didn't have to hide my breasts anymore so I just put some leggings on. Damn, the bad was comfy! I was going to have some amazing nights during this sea voyage.

 

 

          The boat was heading south. I didn't know where I was going to land but it was already warmer here even though it was supposed to be winter. A deserted island? A place spared from the bombs? It didn't matter. There were more important things at that moment. Like sunbathing and getting a little tan. Enjoying the little things. 

 

 

             It was at twilight that the sea looked the most magnificent. The orange colors reflected on the blue sea gave a perfectly harmonious mix. Even the wastelands I followed was enhanced. Such a somptuous landscape, I could have stayed to admire it for the rest of my life.

 

 

            As the days passed, I tried to diversify my interests. I found a book, it was the story of a novelist with the writer's block. He went on vacation with his wife to a remote place in the Washington state to find fresh inspiration to write again. I was at the point where his wife was missing and he had to find her at Lovers Peak. The book was beautifully written and could have been adapted into many other media, if they still existed. 

 

 

          After my reading session, I thought it might be time for a sunset workout. I was already dressed for the occasion, I just had to go on the deck and stretch my body. Always stay fit, even though I was in the quietest place on Earth.

 

 

            A week had gone by. I used the ship's radio to find out if there were any populated places in this part of the globe. 

"Can anyone hear me? This is the Lone Wanderer, I'm looking for supplies. I'm on a lonely journey, I'm not a threat. Please respond."

I only had interference noises in return.

 

 

          That night, the sea was troubled. I saw a shipwreck on the horizon. For the moment, there was nothing dangerous. But then, it only needed one single storm to make me suffer the same outcome. I was worried, I was going to sleep with a certain amount of alertness. 

 

 

            I was awakened by a sudden thunderstorm. The lightning illuminated the cabin which frightened me. I could hear the raindrops pounding on the boat's hull. I had to go outside to lower the sail. If I lost it, my navigation system would be useless and I would be stranded at sea for good.

 

 

            I put on a tank top, a jacket and a pair of boots before going on deck. It wasn't a heavy rain, but the sea became quite turbulent again. I hurriedly lowered the sail and tied it with rope. I hoped that would be enough to secure it. 

 

 

          The sea created a wave that hit the boat. I lost my balance and went overboard.

 

 

            My head hit the water's surface so hard that I was disoriented. I could see myself sinking helplessly to the ocean bottom as the boat moved away. I managed to hold on for a few more seconds before passing out, letting the sea suck me away.