Walking along the seashore with his grandfather, the boy Vitya gazed into the distance, to that place where the sky joined the surface of the water and seemed infinite. Vitya's grandfather—Nikolai Gavrilovich—was a former sailor and 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,
Grandfather replied.
As far as I know, our yacht club is organizing young sailor courses and offering a four-day sailing voyage on a sailboat. I can arrange it, and they'll take us both on as crew?
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 a captain's uniform.
Nikolai Gavrilovich, though long retired, still gave the impression of a strong and sturdy man who had seen much in life. Vitya was very proud to have such a grandfather.
Well, you 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 of himself that he could dress so quickly; before the allotted time had passed, he rushed out onto the porch in full gear with a backpack containing everything necessary for a multi-day sea voyage.
And so, at last, the boy's dream came true. He boarded the ship called "Swift," where first of all Vitya saw enormous sails fluttering in the wind gusts. All the sailors behaved surprisingly calmly; there was no fuss or running about that should have preceded preparation for leaving the bay.
Seeing 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 each thing was for.
The tranquility that Vitya and his grandfather found turned out to be deceptive. As soon as the ship's captain climbed onto the captain's bridge and gave the command "Raise the sails," everything around came alive. Each member of the ship's crew knew their job and, without getting in each other's way, began setting the sails for departure to sea.
Not much time passed before "Swift" was on the open sea. The sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull, a gentle breeze blowing across the deck—all of this caused Vitya a flood of positive emotions.
Grandfather!
The boy addressed Nikolai Gavrilovich.
Finally, 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 peaceful sea and the sky reflected in it. No matter how far the ship sailed forward, 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.
