014. Smile

Evening met my eyes once again as I stared at the underside of the top deck, lying in my well-worn hammock. I'd had the day of and my share of girls for the day, night and maybe the rest of the month. They seemed to fawn over the fact that I was a pirate, as they ran their smooth hands over my unclothed body.

A man I had become, and a man I would prove myself to be. Most of the crew still treated me like a child, being more savvy than I in the ways of the world. When I told them I was going ashore, they laughed at me, gave me a share of coin and told me not to spend it all on candy.

I spent it all at the bawdy house.

I was told that in the afternoon, our Captain had returned with the map, tired and haggard. A black ribbon bound the yellowed paper and she held it under her arm, heading straight for her quarters. The thought that the treasure was now within reach made me more than smile.

I grinned ear-to-ear.