The Empty Vessel

“This is private property!” I warned.

But no reply came. And I could sense they were closing in. Fast.

“You’re trespassing!” I yelled.

Still nothing. I turned and spotted the other rowboat gliding through the heavy mist. It was inexplicably empty, yet the oars continued their rhythmic pace, propelling the unmanned craft forward.

I felt a pit in my stomach, the cold sweat on my brow.

“Please stop!” I cried out.

I let the oars slip from my fingertips. I couldn’t row any longer. My hands ached; my arms burned.

I was never going to make it back to shore.