leaning against a rail overseeing the sea, zeke gazes pensively at the warm horizon. the sun's fading glow reflects in his weary eyes, his bones aching still as a reminder of the mission he’d returned from. with a flicker of his lighter, he ignites a cigarette, sighing. as he inhales the smoke, a moment of tranquility washes over him. the gentle breeze carries away the smoke, the smell of seasalt and gunpowder difficult to differentiate. the footsteps approaching are nothing but an after thought