"In Sea-Salt Tears" by Seanan McGuire. Short story. 5.5 in the October Daye series. Currently a free download off of her website here.

It was sweet. It was painful. It was loving and hurtful and you definitely need to have read One Salt Sea before reading this.

I never thought that I could hold you forever.
Always knew deep down that you'd have to go home.
I should be grateful for these bright years together,
but I know you miss the salt sea foam.

If you hurry you can still catch the tide, my love.
If you hurry you can still catch the tide.

I'm not sorry that I kept you by me.
I never lied to you and I won't start now.
Still, in time I hope that you can come to forgive me.
Forgive me, if the sea allows...

Books and stories read for 2013