Because

Cannon smoke fills the air.

Wind changed direction and now you can’t see a thing.

Plunging fire all around.

Splintering planks burst into your left thigh.

Wound looks deep but it doesn’t hurt at all.

This had been amusing not long ago, but the amusement has changed forms.

A bruised head ramming into an oaken hull has gotten infected, though who can say where.

Fool. You forgot your true opponent.

You can see bearing but not facing.

Hear cries of pain and rage coming from the infected wound.

Flames pour over the wound but are directed upon you again instead.

A younger officer who hasn’t learned yet cries out “Why???” Not innocent, but not ready.

An older officer moves through the smoke.

Brave and commanding presence you can feel, but not see; muttering “Because.”

Each stops to gaze upon you, wondering where you are.

One throws a rope to the other, and it’s center lands in front of you.

The younger man is ablaze with fire.

The older man is obscured by smoke.

You’re lost in the chaos. And the truth…isn’t here.

You grasp the rope in your right hand.

And a single thread of string in your left.

And begin to ignore everything else but the booming beat of your new heart…