Time and Tide

There was a strange presence on the island – but what, or who, was it?

- Celia Bryce

Beth grabbed hold of Toni’s hand and patted it.

Then she shook her shoulder. Had she fainted? ‘Come on, Toni,’ she whispered.

While Beth’s whole being was in turmoil, she noted fleetingly that the howling wind had stopped. Indeed, everything was calmer, peaceful, even. It was like waking from a bad dream.

She looked at Toni who, though still crumpled, was beginning to stir. It must have only been a minute or two since she fell, but it felt like hours before Toni sat up.

‘Are you OK?’ Beth said.

Toni blinked like a mole emerging into sunshine. ‘No. Everything's sore.’ She lifted up her wrist and rubbed it. ‘Ouch! That stings.’

‘It's red raw. How have you done that? Can you stand?’ Beth tried to help, but was waved away.

Toni, on her feet now, was gazing around, clearly confused. ‘We shouldn't be in here!’ she said, finally.

That much I know, thought Beth. While unable to explain anything, she was grateful that Toni was more like herself again, behaving the way she always did, a bit petulant, a bit feisty.

‘Why are we here?’ Toni was looking about her again. ‘We're in big trouble if Dad finds out.’ Beth nodded. ‘Our cue to go, then. Before he does find out.’

But Toni didn’t seem to be in any hurry. Still rubbing her wrist, she peered through the grey, salt-crusted windows, then at the old apparatus and the winding gear. Her face was full of wonder as if she’d never seen it before, or hadn’t just minutes ago been pretending to try to light the lamps. Pretending? Was that it?

‘Dad brought me up here once,’ Toni said. ‘Ages ago. Before he shut it all up and made his rules. Not even Matt's allowed inside.’

‘So, we should leave.’

‘Why are we here? asked Toni. ‘Has something happened?’ A change came over her, as if being in such a foggy state of mind had made her forget something vital. Her face, already pale, turned an awful grey. ‘Is it Molly?’