Walking along the seashore with his grandfather, the boy Vitya gazed into the distance, to where the sky met the water's surface and seemed infinite. Vitya's grandfather, Nikolai Gavrilovich, was a former sailor who had held the highest rank of captain on a large transport vessel. Of course, the boy dreamed that when he grew up, he would definitely become a sailor.
Grandfather, what's out there in the distance?
The boy asked Nikolai Gavrilovich with interest.
I would give anything to see, even with just one eye, what happens there, beyond that line where the sea meets the sky!
If you're so curious,
Replied the grandfather.
As far as I know, our yacht club is organising young sailor courses and offering a four-day sailing voyage on a yacht with sails. I can arrange for us to be taken on as crew members?
You're the best grandfather in the whole world!
The boy cried out with delight.
The next day, when Vitya was still lounging in his bed, his grandfather entered the room dressed in captain's uniform.
Nikolai Gavrilovich, though long retired, still gave the impression of a strong and robust man who had seen much in life. Vitya was very proud to have such a grandfather.
Well then, young sailor!
Nikolai Gavrilovich said in a commanding tone.
You have fifteen minutes: wash up, have breakfast and pack your things, or we'll set sail without us!
Vitya didn't even expect himself to be able to dress so quickly. Before the allotted time had even passed, he rushed out onto the porch in full kit with a rucksack containing everything necessary for a multi-day sea voyage.
And so, at last, the boy's dream came true. He boarded the ship called the "Swift", where first of all Vitya saw enormous sails fluttering in the gusts of wind. All the sailors behaved remarkably calmly, with no fuss or rushing about, which should have signalled preparations for departure from the bay.
Seeing the grandfather, the sailors jumped up and respectfully greeted the old captain and the young sailor. The boy began asking his grandfather how the ship was constructed and what everything was for.
The tranquillity that Vitya and his grandfather found turned out to be deceptive. As soon as the ship's captain climbed onto the bridge and gave the command "Raise the sails", everything around burst into activity. Each member of the ship's crew knew their job and, without getting in each other's way, began to set the sails for departure to sea.
Not much time passed before the "Swift" was in open water. The sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull, a gentle breeze sweeping across the deck—all of this stirred up a wealth of positive emotions in Vitya.
Grandfather!
The boy addressed Nikolai Gavrilovich.
At last I'll see what happens beyond this magical line visible ahead!
Nikolai Gavrilovich was a reserved man, so he didn't explain anything to his grandson, but wanted Vitya to understand for himself: that beyond the horizon there would be the same tranquil sea and the sky reflected in it. No matter how far forward the ship sailed, it was impossible to reach that very place where the blue sea meets the sky.
The horizon kept receding from them, remaining just as alluring and mysterious.
