Gaze Quote by Donna Kauffman
““Footsteps vibrated the dock lightly, mercifully pulling him from the endless merry-go-round of his thoughts. He looked up, half-expecting to see Grace coming out to check on her guest, or possibly Logan, breaking it to him that Kerry wanted him gone and couldn’t find the heart to tell him in person. So it was a surprise, when he looked up, to find it was Kerry. The instant whoosh of relief he felt was immediately tempered by the smooth expression on her face. Maybe she’d found the heart to do it herself after all. He didn’t realize how tightly he’d gripped the edge of the pier until he pried one of his hands loose to reach up and offer her assistance. She sank effortlessly to the dock next to him, no assistance needed, and slid her feet over the edge of the pier so they dangled next to his. “You look like someone stole your pirate ship,” she said, squinting into the sun as she briefly looked at him, then back to the water. “No, it’s moored just down the harbor. I seem to have misplaced my pirate queen, though.” He bumped the side of his foot into the side of hers but otherwise kept his hands to himself. “Oh, she’s been navigating the choppy waters of Bridal Bay, trying not to drown in the froth of lace whitecaps or get dragged under by the pearl-seeded kelp beds.” He smiled at that. “I’ve heard that particular channel can be a tricky one to navigate. Lots of something olds looming out there in the deep, blocking the easier paths to the something news.””
About This Quote
Source Short story excerpt, unknown source, 2023
A tense reunion on a pier reveals relief and lingering uncertainty, using nautical metaphor to describe emotional turbulence.
In simple terms: Reunions can bring both comfort and hidden worries.
Acknowledge mixed feelings in reunions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- pier meetings
- unexpected encounters
- emotional support
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What unspoken concerns linger after a reunion?
- How does metaphor shape emotional perception?
Metaphors may obscure concrete issues.