Under inky, grumbling skies and across lapping, hungry seas I awaited my chance. Though my mouth watered for a taste of food and for a drop of water, my heart ached not for these things, but for my one chance. One chance of a lifetime. I strained against the cold, heavy chain which held me captive in the depths of the ship. Peeking through the grimy porthole, my heart tingled with hope. Where dark, flashing sky met ravenous sea, there was a sliver of green. My tail wagged slowly. I stifled a joyful bark, for I knew Cruel One would hear me. A time passed, then a tremble and a jolt nearly knocked me off my paws. I knew my chance was near; I felt it in my racing heart. I had a plan. I barked and howled, making such a racket even the thunder could not ignore. Following my racket, heavy, leaden feet slowly descended the creaky steps. I took my place: I sat beside where the chain was attached to the wooden floor. A scarred, burly face appeared. I sneezed at the sudden stench of rotten fish. Cruel One\'s mangled left eye stared sightlessly ahead as his reptilian right eye leered at me. Cruel One bared his pointed, yellow teeth and swung his thick club at me. I snapped into action, narrowly dodging away. The club smashed into the wooden floor where the chain was attached, leaving a jagged hole in the floor. I bounded several steps. No resistance. My chain was completely slack and was trailing freely behind me! Cruel One bellowed, brandished his club in the air, and thundered after me. Seizing my chance, I raced up the steps, Cruel One hot on my pawsteps. I jumped over the deck, off the ship, and landed in warm, fluffy sand. I let out a triumphant bark as I bounded away, knowing Cruel One could never catch me. He could never lay his abusive, heavy hands on me again. With the cool wind ruffling my fur and my paws barely touching the soft sand, I felt as if I was flying. I am now living the meaning of one beautiful word: freedom.