We two have paddled in the stream from morning sun till dine But seas between us broad have roared since days of long ago Robert Burns
CHAPTER 1 I don’t get butterflies in my stomach I get tempests Anything from thunderstorms to violent swells Tonight my anticipation is a full-blown hurricane We leave tomorrow morning on a six a m flight I know I’m not supposed to be as excited as I am It is a funeral after all but if that’s what it takes so be it Mom got the call during dinner on Sunday It was Gran That was weird because with the three hour time difference she hardly ever calls us in the evenings Mom must have known something was up because she ducked into the den to take the call Her voice was low and there were lots of long pauses Dad and I stopped eating and stared at the closed door to the den Each of us tried to guess what was being said on the other side When Mom opened the door her red eyes locked with Dad’s Her face was pale and serious 1
Uncle Mark she said They think he had a heart attack on the boat Mom said the crew did what they could but they never got him back Dad got up from the table wiped his hands on his napkin and put his arms around Mom I’m so sorry Beth How’s your mom Shocked Numb I think Uncle Mark is or was I guess Mom’s uncle My great uncle He’s been out here to visit a few times usually when Gran and Grampa come and we talk or talked over video chat on the weekends when he was at Gran’s for dinner I remember one time he did a whole magic show for me with props and everything Another time he taught me how to tie sailor’s knots I used a shoelace He was a pretty cool old guy Mom always called him her favorite uncle He never had any kids of his own so I guess he decided he didn’t have to grow up I told him they should have an AED on board I think I must have had that conversation with him a hundred times If they’re out beyond the bay and something happens there’s nothing they can do about it until they get back to shore Damn fishing industry Think they’re invincible Mom’s an ER doctor She thinks most accidents are preventable 2
What do you want to do Dad asked searching Mom’s face I I don’t I think I have to go Not only for me but for Mom I think we should all go Dad said slowly holding her gaze I held my breath I didn’t want to move in case they remembered I was there I think it worked because then Dad said It’s been long enough now Beth It’ll be okay Mom drew a long ragged breath Do you really think so Her eyes filled with fresh tears and she gripped Dad’s arm What about I just don’t know if Beth we need to go back It’s time Time to go home Mom nodded resigned but if I didn’t know better I’d say she looked more worried than sad 3
