The Ocean

Foggy February twilight falls over the ocean. The snow that has just fallen has already melted, and the warm air has grown heavy and damp. A sea southwesterly wind seeps silently deeper into the continent, bringing with it the sharp, fragrant blend of sea salt, endless expanses, and an unclaimed freedom. To the west, where the sun should set, a mysterious city—or country—breaks apart: in fire and smoke, buildings and majestic towers fall without a sound, and enormous mountains slowly split and collapse. But there is no noise, no cry, no roar of the fall—this grand play of shadows happens in silence, and the ocean, as if waiting for something, reflects it wordlessly, preparing for the unknown.