Ocean Pulse Chapter 7

 

Chapter 7: The Gift

Troy had been on board the Neptune Star for a few months now, adjusting to life at sea. The once unfamiliar rhythms of ship life had slowly become part of his routine. He still found solace in the late-night conversations with Jules, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. What began as friendship had deepened into something more, something unspoken yet undeniable.

One evening, after a particularly grueling shift, Jules found himself in the mess hall, sitting with a few of the crew members who were discussing upcoming shore leave. Among them was the ship’s electrician, a seasoned seafarer looking to offload some of his personal items before leaving the ship.

“I’ve got an old laptop I’m thinking of selling,” the electrician said, his voice casual. “It’s in good shape, just don’t need it anymore. Anyone interested?”

Jules perked up at the mention of the laptop. He had noticed Troy struggling to keep up with his studies and ship-related tasks, often borrowing equipment when he could. A laptop would make things easier for him.

“How much are you asking for it?” Jules inquired, trying to keep his tone neutral.

The electrician scratched his chin, thinking for a moment. “I’ll let it go for a fair price, nothing too steep. Maybe a couple of hundred.”

Jules nodded, a plan forming in his mind. “Alright, I’ll take it.”

A few days later, as Jules was securing the laptop deal, he overheard the motorman, a quiet but reliable crew member, discussing his financial situation.

“I’m in a bit of a pinch,” the motorman admitted to another crew member. “I’ve got a SONY digital camera I’m thinking of selling to make up some cash before we hit port.”

Jules thought about Troy again—he had often spoken of his love for photography and how much he missed capturing moments from his travels. He remembered how Troy’s eyes lit up whenever they passed scenic vistas or sunsets on the open sea.

“How much for the camera?” Jules asked.

The motorman looked up, surprised. “You interested?”

“Yeah. I know someone who’ll appreciate it,” Jules replied, already picturing Troy’s reaction. They haggled for a bit before settling on a price, and the deal was done.

Later that evening, as the ship sailed steadily through the calm waters, Jules made his way to Troy’s cabin, carrying both the laptop and the camera. He knocked lightly on the door, feeling an odd mix of excitement and anticipation.

Troy opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to curiosity when he saw Jules standing there with the items in his hands.

“Jules? What’s this?” Troy asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Jules held out the laptop first. “I heard you needed something to help with your work, so I got this for you. Consider it a gift.”

Troy stared at the laptop, his eyes wide. “You… you got this for me?” His voice was filled with disbelief.

Jules chuckled softly. “Yeah. Figured it’d make things easier for you. And there’s more.” He handed over the camera, watching as Troy’s face lit up even more.

“This… this is incredible,” Troy stammered, running his fingers over the camera, clearly moved. “You didn’t have to do this.”

Jules shrugged, trying to play it off casually, but there was a warmth in his voice. “I wanted to. You’ve been working hard, and I know you miss taking pictures. Thought this might help.”

Troy looked up at Jules, emotion flickering in his eyes. He was quiet for a moment, the weight of the gesture sinking in. “I don’t know what to say, Jules. Thank you. This means… it means a lot.”

Jules gave him a small smile. “You don’t have to say anything. Just promise me you’ll make good use of them.”

Troy nodded, still holding the camera tightly. “I will. I promise.”

They stood there for a moment, the hum of the ship in the background, their unspoken connection stronger than ever. For Jules, it wasn’t just about the gifts—it was about showing Troy that he was more than just a crewmate. He was someone who mattered.

As Troy glanced back at the laptop and camera, a smile spread across his face. It wasn’t just the gifts that warmed him; it was the thought behind them. Jules had seen his needs, his interests, and had acted without expecting anything in return.

It was in that moment, standing in the dimly lit cabin, that Troy realized how much Jules truly cared. And for the first time, he let himself feel the same.