A tiny hand reached up to grab a shell on his father's necklace. Little William Turner shook his hand and the shell.
Elizabeth smiled at her six month old son. She and her child sat on the veranda overlooking the sea. She tickled her son's belly.
Will laughed and kicked around. He looked so like his father with his rich, warm brown eyes and glowing smile. He was very strong and could stand on his own. His eyes moved toward the sea.
"God I miss you. I wish you were here now, playing with your son," whispered Elizabeth as her eyes gazed upon the horizon.
"Child, I haven't met him yet and I miss him too," said Mrs. Jenkins, stepping onto the deck.
"You told me you met him," reminded Elizabeth confused.
"No, that was his father I met. Many years ago, he traveled on Crimson Dawn with my husband and it. Very deeply I remember him telling me of his son that he said couldn't be a greater treasure. I also remember his tan, strong body, his hair blowing in the breeze, and those vibrantly, beautiful, flawless blue eyes. Such a handsome man," recalled Mrs. Jenkins sitting beside Elizabeth. She took Will into her arms and gently bounced him.
"I wish more than anything they could be together. My Wills deserve it," noted Elizabeth.
"All in time child. All in good time," Mrs. Jenkins told her promisingly.
"Nine years is a long time," said Elizabeth.
"But your lifetime would have been longer," whispered Mrs. Jenkins.
"Ladies, dinner is ready," called Thomas as he leaned out the door.
"How soon shall I expect you?" asked Mrs. Jenkins as she sat down at the table.
"Eleven tomorrow," replied Elizabeth.
"Until you've found what you enjoy most, I believe we'll just work with a few things," said Mrs. Jenkins.
"I spoke with Charles today. He said he would appreciate your help at port and in the store. As soon as you're ready, he says you'll be more than welcome," added Thomas.
"This is wonderful, but I can't leave Will yet. He still depends on me," reminded Elizabeth.
"Darling, we mean when you are ready to take this. No one is telling you when you must begin," Mrs. Jenkins told her gently.
"It just seems like it," mumbled Elizabeth. Will pulled at the necklace. "No Will. Be gentle. It's all you have of your father."
The baby gazed at the red bead at the bottom.
Elizabeth kissed his head.
Later, after an hour of doing all she could, Elizabeth still couldn't calm her crying son. She sung, played, changed him, tried feeding him, walked around, tried burping him…none of it was to much success.
"Hush Will. Please stop crying," she pleaded walking from wall to wall.
After continuing to hush him a moment, he quieted down. Just as soon as he quieted down, he began wailing again.
Elizabeth sighed. An idea struck her. She fumbled around the pillow on the chair for the hole. Once finding that, she moved her fingers around until she grasped the key. With her still distressed son, she opened the chest at her bedside. Rocking and hushing Will at the same time, she reached around until her hand grasped the handle. She pulled the chest from the larger one and set it on the bed. She sat right beside and gently sung to her son
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot, drink up me hearties yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me."
The baby calmed. He was soon quiet, occupied by another sound: the beating heart of his father. His eyes wide and curious, he poked one of the keyholes with his finger then let his hand rest on top. He was calm and very quiet.
"That's your father's heart beating Will," whispered Elizabeth. "Your father loves you more than anything. He told me that himself. He's known you for only one day and already his heart belongs to you. Your heart beats just as strong as his."
She gently rocked as the steady heartbeat echoed around them. Little Will was soon asleep in her arms. Elizabeth gently set him in his cradle at the foot of her bed. She set the chest beside him on the bed. She prayed he would somehow always remember this. As he grew, the chest would be none existent to him as it was to most of the world already.
Stocking the shelves, Elizabeth heard a very familiar voice.
"Mummy, I done now," little Will said as he walked in.
The little boy stood past the doorway. His father's eyes smiled at her through a freckled face. The light brown hair was halfway pulled back behind his head and the other half hung around in strands. An unmistakable Turner smirk was wide across his lips. His little arms were behind his back and he swung from side to side. For a child of four, he was certainly behaving like a normal four year old thankfully. She knew that because his tunic and trousers were covered with dirt.
Elizabeth wiped her hands and scooped him into her arms. She swung him around then set him down.
"What did you do today?" she asked with a laugh as she brushed the dirt from her son's face.
"Thomas taked me on treasure hunt. Look mummy, I find the treasure!" cried Will as he showed Elizabeth a few jewels.
"They're beautiful. Where were they?" asked Elizabeth.
"In chest under beach. We digged big hole then I opened chest with big key and digged in water for them. Thomas said I make good treasure hunter. He say I be a better pirate. Mummy, can I be a pirate?" said Will.
"Of course Will. You shall make a legendary pirate. You know what pirates do best?" said Elizabeth.
"Sail the whole world and have fun fighting bad men, borr'ing without 'mission, and running from Davy Jones and big, big octopus," Will said with wide eyes.
Elizabeth laughed. "No, they go home and take a bath." Wills stuck his tongue out in disgust as he shook his head. "Then their mothers tell them tales of the sea while they watch the sunset," added Elizabeth.
Will's face lit with joy. He began pulling at his mother's dress.
"Not now Will. Later," said Elizabeth. "Mummy isn't done working."
"Can we go see big ships?" asked Will looking out the window.
"Maybe," replied Elizabeth as she stacked a few bowls.
"Mummy," said Will softly.
"Yes William," said Elizabeth.
"Mummy, what is Daddy's ship call?" asked Will, looking out to port.
Elizabeth sighed. "Have you forgotten again?"
"Uh-huh," Will whispered.
"Your daddy's ship is called the Flying Pearl," Elizabeth said.
"I know that," Will told her.
Elizabeth smiled.
After looking at the ships in port, Elizabeth and her Will walked home as usual. The first thing she did was make Will take a bath. He objected and used his usual plea: pirates don't do that. Finally, an hour later, he was cleaned and in his nightclothes. He held his stuffed monkey, which he called Jack, as Elizabeth carried him to the sand. She set a blanket on the sand before they sat down.
Will looked at the sea and quietly asked. "Mummy, when Daddy come home?"
"As soon as he can," replied Elizabeth.
"How soon?" wondered Will.
"I don't know. He's very busy sailing at the other side of the world," added Elizabeth.
"Why can't he stop and just come home?" asked Will upset. "I never see him."
"Your father's work is very important and it keeps him very busy," Elizabeth told him then added. "He has seen you once. That was when you were two days old. He brought you aboard his ship and we went sailing for a day."
"I sail on Daddy ship before!" Will cried with glowing eyes.
"A very long time ago. Perhaps we can sail with your father again," said Elizabeth.
"When?" wondered Will.
"Many, many years from now. Not until you older. Which story tonight?" Elizabeth said.
Little Will thought hard. He held his monkey and necklace. "Daddy, somefing wif Daddy," he told her.
Elizabeth nodded. She thought a moment. Something with Will should have been simple, but it was more difficult than one thought it could be. Her eyes fell to the setting sun. They glistened.
"A long time ago, when I was a child, my father and I sailed for Jamaica. One morning it was very foggy and the wind was cool. I was singing a pirate song. You see, I had always dreamed of meeting a pirate and I enjoyed stories about them very much. After my father scolded me, I saw a boy floating on a piece of wood in the water. He was brought aboard the ship and wrapped in a blanket. The ship he traveled on was attacked by pirates under a terrible curse."
"Aztec curse?" interrupted Will.
"Yes. Anyway, I was told to look after this boy. He woke and told me his name was Will Turner," said Elizabeth.
"Daddy!" Will cried joyfully. "Tell me another story."
"Which one?" asked Elizabeth.
"The wedding," said Will with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled. "Long ago, two pirates were deeply in love. Their names were Is and Liam. For so long they had loved each other. Liam watched over Is all his life. He knew he wanted to marry her, but didn't know if she loved him. Is, in fact, did love Liam in return. Both were sailing on a ship that happened in the last great battle for piracy. An entire armada of both the Royal Navy and the pirates surrounded them. This great battle raged on. One of the ships was the Flying Dutchman with Davy Jones." Will's eyes widened with fear and wonder. "Out of nowhere, Liam asked Is to marry him. He loved her so much that he couldn't wait another moment. Is and Liam said their vows while swinging in and out of battle. Just before they could kiss, someone came to kill them. Interrupted, they killed everyone else around them. They turned, clashed swords, and then kissed. They kissed so passionate and loving and forgave each other for everything that had ever happened. Never again was there such as kiss."
"What happened next?" Will asked quickly.
Elizabeth shrugged. "No one knows."
Will looked to the horizon with amazed eyes.
Elizabeth watched the sun dip below the horizon as the last bit was gone. Her eyes glistened horribly. One ran from her eyes.
"Mummy," Will said softly, knowing something was wrong with her. He crawled in her lap.
"I just miss your father Will. It's been five years," said Elizabeth sadly.
Little Will gave her Jack to hold. He noticed a shell on the beach and ran to pick it up. As the waves rolled in, something followed. Curious, Will picked up the bottle. Inside was a note.
"Mummy, I find note in bottle!" he shouted, running to her.
"That's silly Will. Messages in bottles are just legends. The messages are never found by the person they were meant to be found by," said Elizabeth.
"Fine, I see message, not you," said Will as he uncorked it. He rapidly shook the bottle to get the message out.
"Here, let me before you ruin it," said Elizabeth, still finding it difficult to believe that the message was meant for her.
Among the note, a red satin pouch plopped on the blanket.
Before she could, Will took the note. He turned it everyway trying to read its message. "My name," he pointed out.
Elizabeth immediately took the note. Will's name was at the bottom in his handwriting and signature. She opened the velvet pouch. A ring fell into her palm. It was a gold Celtic knot ring with rubies and diamonds. She slipped it onto her ring finger.
"Mummy, read note," whined Will.
Elizabeth gently unrolled the note. "My darling Elizabeth, my wife. Five years ago, we married and sealed our love forever. I know it is too late but this is your wedding ring. I have one as well. The stones are sapphire and diamond. My father arranges these for us. Now the world can know that you are married to me. I miss you so much and I love you with all my heart. Last for these few years. I'm coming soon. Tell my little Will that I love him and that I'll be there someday. Tell him that he'll always be my son and I'll forever be his father. My heart in every way, figuratively and literally, is always yours, William."
"Daddy loves me," whispered Will nearly crying.
Elizabeth nodded. "Very much." She too had tears consume her eyes. Her moist eyes gazed upon the necklace around Will's neck. She touched it.
"When I keep this?" asked Will.
"When I knew nothing will happen to it. Until then, you are only allowed to wear it when I am near," said Elizabeth.
"But daddy gave to me. I wear it," said Will.
Elizabeth smiled. "Just like your father," she laughed.
Will looked at her ring and studied it. "Daddy love you too."
"And I love him," whispered Elizabeth.
Four-year-old William was up very early the next morning. He ate his breakfast quickly then rushed to his room. Being four, Thomas thought nothing of it. He was just a boy who couldn't sleep. He thought something was suspicious when Will began dragging his collection of toys to the beach.
"What are you doing?" wondered Thomas once Will return.
"Playing on beach," replied Will as he ran off to his room again. This time he returned with his clothes. "I maybe get wet."
Thomas said nothing.
"I got cold," Will told Thomas carrying a pile of blankets.
Thomas shook his head.
Will ran back, carrying a compass and map.
"William," began Thomas.
"Making treasure hunt," Will told him with a smile. He turned and rushed past his mother.
Elizabeth giggled at her son. "He is such a pirate prince," she said softly.
"More like scheming," said Thomas. "He's been bringing his toys, clothes, blanket, a map, and compass to the beach. First, he was playing then he got cold, he needed to change clothes if he got wet, now he's going on a treasure hunt.
"Oh let him. He is, after all, a normal four year old boy," said Elizabeth.
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "Normal? His mother is King of the pirates and his father is under a curse more horrible than anything imaginable. Will can't see him but once every ten years. His father is captain of the Flying Dutchman. Elizabeth, is that normal? Will is anything but normal. No matter how hard you try he'll never be normal."
"I want him to be. That's all I want, "said Elizabeth sadly.
Will came back and the time dragging baskets of food and bowls of water on a blanket.
"Where are you going?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Go on picnic," replied Will.
"With who young man?" added Elizabeth. "That is a lot of food."
"Wif Jack and…and um…and the sea turtles," said Will.
Elizabeth and Thomas looked at each other strangely. Both followed.
Will dragged everything to the dock. He began carrying the rest onto the Horizon.
Elizabeth quietly followed him onto the ship. She found Will pulling at the ropes and jumping up and down to reach them. His belongings were scattered about.
"William, what are you doing?" asked Elizabeth unhappy. "You know you are not supposed to be on the dock without us and the ship is off limits."
"I go find Daddy," Will told her happily. "Bottle from Daddy finds us. Ship wif me find Daddy." He gave up and ran to the helm.
Elizabeth slumped. She didn't know what to say. Her eyes gazed at all her son's belongings. How could she tell him?
"Mummy find Daddy too?" asked Will curious.
Elizabeth forced a smile. "Come here Will." She sat on the steps and pulled Will into her lap. He gazed at her with eyes longing for his father. Elizabeth had to look away. A sense of her hated his eyes, but another loved them. "Will, we can't go find daddy, because daddy is very far away. We won't find him."
"You say everyone know Daddy. We ask them," said Will.
Elizabeth shook her head sadly. "Your father is the best sailor the world can offer. He is good, respectable, and always obeys the law, but he had to do something because of that."
"What Mummy?" wondered Will.
"He is on a very important duty. Everyone at sea depends on him to do this. It is a secret. Not even I know where he is. He can't come home until this duty is finished."
"Why Daddy duty more special than me? Daddy no love me?" asked Will softly.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around him tightly. She rocked him back and forth. "Daddy loves you more than anything. It's just that he has a very special, very important duty that is very difficult to get away from."
"Why?"
"I don't know Will."
"Did he choose this duty?"
"He had no choice. He was the only one who could do this."
"But why Daddy?"
"Because Daddy is strong and brave. He knows you would understand."
"I want Daddy," whispered Will as he curled into his mother's chest.
Elizabeth held him close to her heart. She tucked Will's head under her chin. She felt his heart beat through his arms. His heart was as strong as Will's was. She missed him very much, but she had her own Will to hold, just like her husband wanted.
"Mummy," whispered little Will.
"Yes," replied Elizabeth.
"When Daddy come home you can't call me Will," the boy said.
"Why not?" wondered Elizabeth curious.
"Because Daddy's name Will too," laughed Will.
"Then what do I call you?" asked Elizabeth.
"Daddy's Will!" shouted Will.
Elizabeth laughed and tickled him.
Will rolled around laughing as his mother tickled him.
Elizabeth stopped then kissed his head.
Will stood and ran to 'Jack'. He picked up his monkey. "Tell me story mummy."
"About?" asked Elizabeth.
"Is and Liam and Jake and Bill Bootstraps!" cried Will.
"Which one little Will," laughed Elizabeth.
"Umm…Liam and Bill Bootstraps!" cried Will.
Elizabeth nodded and began her tale. "Long ago, there was a man aboard the Flying Dutchman. His name was Bill Bootstraps…"
"Davy Jones roamed the seas capturing souls to keep aboard his ship, the Flying Dutchman. He had a crab claw for a hand and a whale bone for a leg. He face was made from octopus tentacles. His eyes were dark and cold. His men were cursed to forever serve him. Once on the ship, no one got off. They say when you're at sea it gets all foggy and dark when he approached. The cold runs though you. From the sea comes the Flying Dutchman. Lightning strikes and behind you is him…Davy Jones!"
The other children screamed and ran. Others began crying.
"William Turner, what have I told you about your tales of the sea?" asked Catherine.
"Not to share them during school," said Will softly.
"Now apologize for you story and frightening the other children," said Catherine.
"But, Miss Catherine, they…" began Will innocently.
"No excuses Mr. Turner. I've heard them all," said Catherine.
Will turned to the others. "Sorry," he apologized and with a shrug.
"It's all right children. You may come back," called Catherine gently.
The boys and girls slowly came from behind the desks and chairs. Fright still consumed them. Some were still softly sobbing.
Will rolled his eyes. How come he always got into trouble when they wanted to hear a story?
After school was finished, Will sat on his desk, playing with his necklace and swinging his feet back and forth. He and a few others waited for their parents to come get them.
"Where do you hear all these stories Will?" asked Alex, curious.
"My mum," replied Will.
"They don't frighten you?" wondered Alex amazed.
"Nope. I growed up with them," said Will proudly.
"You grew up with everything but a father," laughed Nathan. "Your father probably left your mum. He's probably married to another woman, one that isn't a mother. He probably doesn't know you exist. Little Willie Turner, the fatherless boy." He laughed horrible. Will glared at him, trying not to cry. "Awe, you gonna cry now. Mama will be there but Daddy won't." Nathan continued to pretend to cry. He continued to taunt Will.
Angered, Will's fists clenched. He put up with this every week from him.
"Little Willie, does your daddy know who you even are. I bet he left to seek riches and glorious treasures around the world. Some say he's a pirate. If your father is a pirate, I hope I'm there to watch him hang," added Nathan, laughing.
Having enough, Will punched him in the face.
Nathan fell to the floor startled.
Will stood over him with his fist still in the air. "No one talks about my daddy like that! No one!" he screamed.
"What happened?" demanded Catherine rushing in.
Nathan suddenly covered his eye and began crying. "Will hit me. I wasn't doing anything and he hit me," he sobbed.
"I hardly believe that," muttered Catherine as she helped him to his feet. She turned to Will. "And you Mr. Turner, I am very disappointed. You should be ashamed. Apologize to Nathan."
"No, he won't stop taking about my daddy not being here," said Will.
"Is this true?" wondered Catherine.
"A little," whimpered Nathan.
"You need to stop taunting Will because he is different than you. Must we do this every day?" said Catherine.
She led Nathan to his father at the door.
Nathan turned and stuck his tongue out.
Will slumped back onto his desk. "Why do you not say things about me?"
"Because my mum died when I was three," said Alex. "I understand."
"Will," called Elizabeth.
"Mum," said Will as he ran to her open arms.
"Mrs. Turner, I must speak with you about your son's behavior," began Catherine.
"What this time?" asked Elizabeth, with a heavy sigh.
"They wanted to hear a story so I told them about Davy Jones," said Will.
"Frightened all the children nearly to death," added Catherine. "Mrs. Turner, Davy Jones is not appropriate for a six year old boy, nor are many other tales he's told. He may enjoy you stories of the sea and all they offer. I have parents telling me that their child is fears to go near the sea. They say their child believes the Kraken or Davy Jones or a curse will come upon them. The sea should be loved not feared. I am not telling you how to raise your son, but do consider which tales are appropriate for a six year old and which are not. Also, young William, hit a boy today."
"Nathan again?" asked Elizabeth.
Catherine nodded. "I shall leave the punishment to you as usual."
Elizabeth nodded. She looked at Will disappointed.
Will looked to the floor.
Once at the manor, Elizabeth sent Will to his room. She washed dishes and cleaned up. She and Thomas ate dinner alone. Seeing as Will had a few hours to sit alone, she went to his room and brought him a sandwich. Will glanced at her but then turned to the sea again.
"Will, I know you love to tell stories, but Davy Jones is not the best one," she began.
"He isn't alive and the Flying Dutchman is just a legend. Everything you tell me is just a legend. Nothing is real," said Will. Elizabeth sat next to him with a heavy heart. "They're just stories that I really wish to have happen to me," added Will.
"Which one is your favorite?" wondered Elizabeth, feeling a little better.
Will shrugged. "All of them, but I wish I was Liam. He is so brave and strong. He'll do anything to keep Is safe. He seems so legendary, almost too legendary to have been real."
Elizabeth smiled. Will did seem too legendary to be real. She gazed at her son's dreamy face. If only he knew that Liam was his father and Is was her. She wanted to tell him.
"Mummy, why does everyone laugh at me because I've never known Daddy?" wondered Will softly. "They hate me."
"They just don't understand," replied Elizabeth. "My mother died when I was eleven and my father was killed before you were born. I understand."
"Does Daddy?" wondered Will.
Elizabeth nodded. "Will, your daddy grew up as an orphan. I was his only friend in all the city. His father left when he was three and his mother died when he was nine too. Now your daddy has his father. They found each other before he was sent on his duty."
"Is he ever going to come home?" wondered Will.
"Soon Will. I promise," whispered Elizabeth as she took her son's hand. She looked into his eyes and saw Will again. "You have your father's eyes."
"Tell me story?" asked Will.
"I'm not sure that I should," said Elizabeth.
"I hit Nathan because he said Daddy left because he wanted to be rich and free. He thinks daddy is a pirate. Everyone does," Will said. "Is he?"
"Your grandfather is," whispered Elizabeth. "Do you think Daddy is?" Will nodded. "Which story tonight?"
"The last battle for the pirates," said Will. "And Is and Liam's wedding."
Elizabeth laughed. "As long as you not tell any stories about Davy Jones. This is your favorite isn't it?" Will nodded. "It's mine too."
The grandfather clock tolled midnight. Elizabeth sat in her room with a lit candle. The chest was resting gently on her lap. It had been seven months since she last heard Will's beating heart, since she last held the chest. She pressed her lips against the cool metal.
"Oh Will. You would be so proud of him. He is strong and brave. He acts just like you. He got in trouble today for telling his class about Davy Jones. He knows no fear for Davy Jones just like you. All he wants is to be like Liam, or rather, you. I told him his grandfather was a pirate. He says that you are too. He wants to be a pirate. He plays pirate everyday with his best friend Alex. His pirate name is Cutlass James. More than anything, he loves the sea and watching the sunset. To him sunsets are special. He cried if he missed watching it. It's almost as though he knows one sunset you'll come home. It's difficult to do this. It's no easy task telling a six year old why his father has never come home and why he can't. I sometimes hear him crying at night for you. He loves the necklace and never takes it off, not even at bedtime. His favorite story is the last battle and our wedding. To him you seem too legendary to be real. Sometimes I agree, but I know you are a legend. I miss you and so does Will. I can't wait until you can meet him. He's going to love you forever. One day, the three of us are going to be as one on the Dutchman together. You, me, and our little Will are going to be forever bound to that ship. Together."
She kissed the metal again then just listened to his beating heart.
"Elizabeth, Will is calling for you," said Thomas as he sleepily opened the door. He noticed the chest. "That explains why you haven't gone to him yet."
"I miss him Thomas," whispered Elizabeth.
Thomas held up three fingers. Elizabeth smiled. Three years.
"Mummy," Will whispered as the door opened.
Elizabeth smiled as she went to her son's side. She set a candle on his night table. "What is it my little Will?"
"I don't feel good. My head hurts and I'm cold," whispered Will.
Elizabeth went to a chair. She unfolded a blanket and wrapped that around her son.
Will softly moaned as he held 'Jack' tighter. He snuggled into his pillows.
Elizabeth saw his hand wrap around the black cord.
Little Will Turner's condition did not improve. By morning, he had developed at light fever and was very weak. He lay in bed holding 'Jack' tightly.
Elizabeth dabbed his forehead with a damp cloth. His face was a little pale but his eyes were strong. He attempted to smile.
"Don't worry Will. It'll pass. You'll feel better tomorrow," promised Elizabeth.
"Mummy, tell me story," said Will softly.
"About what?" asked Elizabeth.
Will smiled. "Daddy."
Elizabeth took his hand and began. "When your father was fifteen he too was fever struck. It went on for five days. Cousin Thomas brought him to my home. My father and I took care of him. Even burning with fever, he still called me Miss. He was proper and acted like a gentleman. His fever worsened and he could barely breathe. He wore hardly any clothes. Cool cloths covered his body. He couldn't stop shivering. The physicians said he was not expected to live through the night. I was so afraid. He was my best friend. Even then, I had feeling for him. In the middle of the night, his struggled breathing woke me. His body wouldn't lie still because his blood boiled horribly. Father knew he would die soon. I didn't believe it. Not Will Turner. He was too strong to die. He looked at me with red eyes. He called me Elizabeth for the first time in his life. He said that he loved me. I kissed his cheek and gently caressed his face. He stared at me until his eyes shut. He became calmer and his breathing eased. I thought I had lost him. I called his name but he never came back. I cried myself to sleep at his side. When I woke, I was in my own room. I rushed back to your father fearing he had died. He didn't. He was awake. Father told me that the fever had finally broken. Will was now recovering. He was weak for many days, but acted strong around me. He began calling me Miss again. I watched over him until he was strong enough to leave."
"Did Daddy remember?" wondered Will.
"Just images really, nothing else. I remember very clearly though. I see him as you." Will smiled. "Sleep now. Get some strength back. I'll be right here."
Elizabeth did stay at her son's side continuing to care for him. Each moment Will's temperature increased as his strength diminished. By nightfall, he burned horribly and already began losing his senses. He just lay on his bed, shivering and burning. Neither Elizabeth nor Thomas had seen a fever become horrible in such a short amount to time. Will was fine that morning. It took just a day for him to begin dying.
"Mummy," whispered Will harshly.
"Hush Will. I'm here," said Elizabeth softly. She gently washed the sweat from Will's body then set cool cloths across his forehead, back of neck, arms, chest, and belly.
"Have him drink this," said Thomas, handing her a cup of cold water.
Elizabeth lifted her son's head. She pressed the cup against his burning lips.
Will drank the water. He looked at his mother with weak eyes.
"You are going to cheat death just like your daddy did long ago and many more times," said Elizabeth. "Be strong Will. It'll pass. I promise." She kissed his head.
"I want Daddy," Will whispered, barely able to speak.
Elizabeth nodded. "Me too Will. Shut your eyes. Sleep."
Will shut his eyes, slowly reaching for the necklace.
Just at daybreak, Thomas rushed into town and returned very soon with the island's surgeon, Owen Scot. They found Elizabeth cradling Will in her arms while sitting on the veranda.
"Daddy?" Will moaned as footsteps approached.
"No lad," replied Owen.
"Want Daddy," Will whispered weakly.
"He's been doing that at everyone who comes near him," said Elizabeth sleepy. She carried Will back to his bed.
"How long has he been in this condition?" wondered Owen as he knelt beside the bed.
"Two nights and a day. The fever worsened yesterday and only worsened more last night," said Thomas.
Nodding, Owen Scot touched Will's face. He even had a shocked look to his face. He felt Will's pulse and listened to his heartbeat. Both were rapid, yet weak. Will's breathing was hard and he struggled to keep his eyes open. Owen wiped his face then set a cold cloth across the boy's forehead. He pulled the blanket to his waist and set 'Jack' tighter in his arms. He shut his eyes.
"What is it?" wondered Elizabeth with the tone that almost knew.
Owen looked at her.
Before he even shook his head, she knew. She fell back into the chair behind her, shaking her head. It wasn't true.
"Make him comfortable his last few hours. It's not likely he'll see sunset. The fever developed at a rapid pace. It is only going to grow worse. There is nothing that can be done," said Owen.
"There must be something," sobbed Elizabeth. "He's only six. He's never met his father. He can't die."
"I'm very sorry Mrs. Turner. I will pray for an easy passing that I dearly hope is soon. Love him and care for him. That's all anyone can do," said Owen sadly.
Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hands. She began crying worse.
Owen Scot set an arm around her shoulder. Even he knew this was not fair. Will Turner was a rarely seen sort of boy. He was special. Shaking his head in sorrow, he left the room.
"Daddy," Will softy moaned in his half conscious state.
Complete exhaustion taking toll, Elizabeth fell asleep at her son's side. She dreamed of Will returning and finding his son dead. Soon after, he became a monster worse than Davy Jones. Her son calling for his daddy woke her. Elizabeth watched as Will's shut eyes moved around. His forehead wrinkled. His body was trembling and didn't lie still. She saw the necklace in his hand.
"Daddy," Will weakly called.
Elizabeth began crying again. She noticed light red circles around Will's eyes. Her heart told her something she had forgotten about.
Thomas quietly entered. He peeled the wet hair from Will's face.
"The purpose of the Flying Dutchman is to ferry souls of those that have died at sea," Elizabeth said. Thomas nodded, understanding. "If my son is destined to die from this fever, he'll die at sea. I swear it. They will meet each other. Will is going to see his son no matter what."
Thomas carried Will to the captain's quarters of the Horizon. He set Will on top of the blankets.
Elizabeth followed with the Dead Man's Chest in her arms. She set the chest beside Will's head.
Slowly and weakly, little Will opened his eyes. They weakly looked around.
Elizabeth gently moved his head. "Will, this is your daddy's heart. That's your daddy," she told him.
"Story," Will whispered.
Elizabeth told him his favorite tale: the final battle. She watched as Will somehow grew weaker and weaker. Through it all, his eyes remained strong. In her heart, Elizabeth knew her son's time was ending already. They sat on the dock at sunset. Elizabeth held him very close to her.
"Will, daddy's coming soon. He's coming to get you. He's going to take care of you now," she sobbed.
Little Will struggled to look into his mother's eyes. He tried to speak, but couldn't.
Elizabeth softly began singing. Her voice also cried. "We're rascals, scoundrels, villains and knaves, drink up me hearties yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life fo…" Her voice cracked, unable to speak more. She tucked Will's head under her chin, just for a moment.
"Mummy," Will called, barely having the strength.
"Go to him Will. He's waiting," said Elizabeth.
Will gazed into one last sunset. He eyes fell upon the chest as did his hand. He deeply sighed as his eyes shut.
Elizabeth looked at Will then burst into tears screaming while rocking him. "I'm so sorry Will. Sorry for everything. You can only meet your son dead. Take care of him."
She pulled Will close and gazed at his sunset. Both Will Turners that captured her heart were lost at sunset. Sunset. She buried her face into Will's light brown hair. She could do no more than cry. Now what would happen? Will expected his son to be there when he returned. What would he do now that his son was gone? She would hate to have been Bill at that moment. The moment Will would see that boy he would know exactly who he was. It was unmistakable. William was going to look just like his father. He would have.
Rocking back and forth she decided it was probably best to wait to bury her son until after Will found out about him. She herself wanted to bury him on the cliff and overlooking the western sky, but she would allow Will to make that choice. After the burial, she would most likely join him on the ship since there was nothing there for her anymore. Her and Will would be as happy as they could be together and once every ten years they could pay their son a visit and spend it with him.
She hoped the only meeting with father and son would be one that Will would treasure for the rest of his time. Ever since she knew him, he longed to be a father. He was so very ready to be a father. They often talked about having at least four children because he wanted a large family. He dreamed of teaching his sons everything and keeping his daughters safe from the hungry eyes of man. He even looked forward to scolding his children and any act of being a father. He was such a wonderful father. Far away from his son, he still managed to father his son. William learned so much from him and the stories he was told. He naturally learned from his father because Will was in him. He would have been such a good man in the world and loved by everyone who knew him.
Her arms had never left her son. Her eyes could no longer cry. Never again could she cry. She watched as a sun began climbing over the horizon. She had not left the dock. Will's hand still rested over his father's heart. Elizabeth let her cheek rest against Will's hair. She wondered of their meeting and what they thought of each other. Somehow her heart was glad.
"Mummy."
That voice ran through Elizabeth's mind the entire night.
"Mummy."
She felt something, someone moving in her arms. Her eyes turned to look at her son.
Will, with eyes half open, looked at her. He had a slight smile on his face.
"Will!" Elizabeth cried, holding him. She couldn't believe it. It was a miracle. She didn't remember what a miracle was, but this was. Will was alive. She kissed his head.
"Mummy," Will whispered.
"Shh, hush Will. Don't talk. It's all right now. It's over," said Elizabeth.
Little Will Turner was back in his bed sleeping gently.
Thomas sat in a chair at his bedside looking at him, his eyes still red with tears.
Elizabeth pulled a necklace from under his tunic. She reached to take his hand and felt something that was not flesh. Carefully, she took the palm sized object from her son's hand. Her heart soared and whispered one thing. How could it be true though? Was it even him? Somehow, it was true. She set the little sea turtle carving back into Will's grasp.
A week later, Elizabeth watched as her son ran around the beach laughing while playing with his new favorite toy. The entire island was envious over this boy that had cheated death. No one could figure out the sea turtle. Elizabeth had an idea but she wasn't sure. How could he have saved his own son? His duty was to ferry souls, not send them back. She was sure it was Will. It had to have been.
"Mummy!" Will cried running to her. "Look mummy." He handed her a wet sea turtle. "A pair of sea turtles. The sea gives me another one. The sea gave you bottle with a note and me a turtle."
Elizabeth looked at the pair of sea turtles.
"It even has my name!" cried Will, pointing at an etching on the wet turtle.
Elizabeth knew, unmistakably, the only person who wrote the name Will in that way. Will did save their son.
"Mummy, did someone save me?" asked Will, cradling his pair of turtles.
"Someone saved you Will," whispered Elizabeth.
"Did daddy save me?" asked Will.
Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know."
In her heart, she did know.
Will sat at the water's edge playing with his pair of sea turtles.
Elizabeth looked to the horizon with moist eyes. She knew, but wondered if he did. He had to have known that it was his son. Only Will Turner would think of a pair of sea turtles.