Time and Tide

A crisis meant Beth had to get to the remote island – and quickly

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Beth watched as her mother fretted over what to put in the sandwiches for the trip up north, listening to all the needless anxiety. As if Beth had never driven there before. As if she hadn't made the journey almost monthly for the past five years.

'It's a long drive for you,' Mum was saying. 'All that way. But silly to waste money at a service station...'

Yes, prices could be steep, but it was nice to get out of the car, sit at a table and relax a bit. Read her book, rather than road signs. Beth said nothing.

Mum was hauling out a flask from the cupboard, rinsing it, examining it for anything that might taint, perhaps.

Beth, trying to ignore it all, whipped her dry clothes from the airer and bundled them into her bag. She'd have to make a move fairly soon.

'They're not ironed!' Mum sounded appalled.

'I'll do it when I get there.' Beth wanted to stop all the fuss but it was pointless to try.

The kettle was switched on. 'I'll make some tea for you. What with the causeway and everything, you really won't want to stop. Might get stranded.'

Beth's brother Rob and his family lived on a tidal island, and were cut off from the mainland at each high tide.

'I won't get stranded,' Beth said. 'I've factored in roadworks and petrol, and having a break or two. Don't worry.'

Now Mum moved on to her grandchildren, Matt and Toni, who were 19 and 16. 'They'll not cope with this, big though they are.' Her normally smooth face was lined with worry.

'But it's good that you can go. Nearer their age. They won't want me fussing.'

The day before, the baby in the family – a surprise addition called Molly – had suddenly become very ill. Rob and his wife Clare had raced off the island to hospital, leaving Matt and Toni behind.