Facts. Objective facts have never failed me.

When the storm comes, and in clear weather, my compass always points north. It will never point another way. That brings me comfort on the raging seas.

I sit cross-legged on the deck of my ship, staring at the red needle. My ship's stern points in the same direction. Clear skies above tell me that we will have a smooth rest of our journey home.

I close my eyes and breathe in the salty sea air. Home. My wife and children are waiting at home. My son and daughter, ecstatic to see their long-lost father, will run up to me soon. I can almost feel their arms wrap around me. The same with my wife.

I looked into her eyes three years ago and told her that I would be home within three years time. I am on time. I kept my promise.

I captained my ship and sailed across the sea, searching for the crystal that would save my kingdom from storms, plague, and famine. We found it on an island floating in the middle of the sea. The Earth Crystal will finally keep us safe. My subjects will finally sleep in peace, once we return home with the crystal.

I open my eyes to see my compass pointing south.

No... that can't be right. I stand up and look around. Dark skies above me. What is happening?

My ship's stern is no longer aligned with the compass. It is pointing the other way. No. This cannot be.

I feel my wife and children slipping between my fingers as I rush to look out at sea. Giant waves crash and bound next to us.

"What's happening?" I ask my crew. They stand solemnly before me, eyes downcast.

"Oh, captain, forgive us!" I turn to see the crystal in one pair of hands.

It is in two pieces.

My heart as well.

I fall to my knees and sob as the last glimpses of my family fade from my mind's eye, and I am alone.

My compass still points north.