Writing inspired by the following SWC prompt:

Fernweh

Originally stolen from German but used in English up until the 19th Centrury, this word describes ‘farsickness’. In English Fernweh is a longing for distant places, or a yearning to travel, and the opposite of homesickness. Describe a character suffering from Fernweh.

Fernweh

by Marianne Thatcher

The bungalow with the new, white draught-proof doors and green velvet curtains fluttering in the breeze from the open window, gave a certain satisfaction of mission accomplished. Open to the vastness of the ocean, which breathed in onto the beach and then out again to sea. They could reveal moody currents, sometimes gently lapping at the shore, other times treacherous with waves strong enough to suck anyone in who dares them.

Sam stared transfixed by the shades of colours within the blue grey waters. He had moved here six months ago. The house, just like the one he had dreamed of for many years, the proximity to the sea another dream fulfilled, but still something, something not quite tangible stirred deep beneath the days’ events in his mind.

BRIGSON WINDOWS, Sam’s business, was doing well, selling tilt and turn windows to replace former sash windows, or the open-at-the-bottom-but-don’t-fall-out variety – a speciality it seemed in retirement homes. In any case, he couldn’t complain: business was business.

His wife Ruth had started work at a local clinic last month and was happy with her job. Two incomes. Tiny mortgage. Life was good!

Sam’s feet sank in the soft sand with each step, the grittiness rubbing the skin between his toes. Every now and then he’d mutter ‘ouch’ as he trod on a sharp seashell or stone. Just being there filled him with happiness. He threw a bit of driftwood for Floppy to fetch. The dog raced along the beach, stopped, and dug frantically with his front paws, barking loudly and pretending he’d found something exciting. Sam walked up and patted him, “Found something there, Floppy?” The dog wagged his tail proudly and dug some more, sand flying in all directions.

Sometimes, despite the glorious scenery, Sam slipped into memories. Memories of get-togethers in swanky restaurants with Marie and James in Dubai, or eating at foodstalls with Poovena and Raja in Singapore popped into his head. Hiking with Ruth in Australia and getting lost, or diving off Tioman Island in Malaysian, and many more.

Ruth recognised Sam’s mood. “Uh oh, I see that ‘Fernweh’ in your eye again.” And Sam grinned sheepishly.

“I thought you said, you’d never want to leave here again,” she teased him over dinner.

“What about you?” asked Sam.

“’I’m quite happy to stay here” she smiled. “I love that view we have, the sound of the ocean lulling us to sleep every night, being able to go swimming just across the road.”

Sam shuffled his feet and coughed; he felt restless. It was true this was a great place to live and everything just seemed to be perfect – almost too perfect. He admitted secretly to himself that he liked the challenge that going to new places presented. He would have to see how long he could last here.