The evening was slow in the Happy Port, the low hum of sailors’ laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. The Sailor’s Wife sat with a half-empty cup, her eyes soft as her daughter chattered beside her.

“Well maybe next time you can tell him something nice back if he was so nice to you.” she said, smiling gently.

She drained her drink and rose, brushing her skirt aside as she passed a new customer by the bar.

“Looking for a good time, or just a drink tonight?” she asked, her voice smooth as the sea breeze.