Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Beach (07/04/05)
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TITLE: Turneffe Island | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maxx .
07/09/05 -
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The Caribbean breeze stirred about the cabana through open patio doors. I stood and let it encircle me, cooling my flesh. I slipped into a lace robe to cover my near-nakedness and stepped onto the deck. A waning moon reflected across the waters as torches flickered among the coconut palms. I inhaled the freshness and listened to the collared plovers warbling in the marshes.
We had come to Turneffe Island to celebrate our fifth anniversary. I had come to escape; I prayed for deliverance.
I glanced behind me. Paul slept, his face bathed by the red digits of the alarm clock. It was 2:48 AM. We had spent the day snorkeling among fish as brilliant as a kaleidoscope display. When darkness forced us to shore we sipped pina-coladas around a bonfire. Local fishermen recounted the legend of El Monstruo del Océano, the monster that stalked victims along the waterline and snatched babies from the grasp of helpless mothers.
I had shuddered in my husband’s arms.
“I’m here,” he whispered in my ear, “Nothing can harm you.” He kissed my neck.
I wished I could believe him. Monsters tended to seek me out and stay around.
A movement caught my attention. A small child scampered through the darkness toward the waves.
My mind sensed a growing danger. I was uneasy. “Stop,” I called.
The child turned and stared at me, then motioned for me to follow.
I looked about for the parents. Nobody else was there.
The child laughed. “Hurry, come on!” The figure turned and bounded to the waterline.
“Wait!” I ran, my wrap flowing behind, luminous in the moonlight. My heart began to pound and my breath tightened.
The child was ankle deep and splashing, wearing a flowered swimsuit. She was a girl of about eight. She studied me, strands of blond hair falling across her wide eyes. Laughter slipped from her mouth, playful and carefree. “This way!”
She moved deeper into the waves; then stopped and smiled.
I recognized her smile. It was Billy’s smile.
I was suddenly cold.
I had told Paul about all of my old boyfriends, my nothing romances, my infatuations. But I had never told him about Billy.
She giggled. “Today’s going to be my birthday.” She bounced on her toes. “I get to go and you’re invited, too.”
My mouth formed words but no sound came out. My knees weakened. “Your father, where’s your father?”
“My birthday, my birthday, my birthday.” She danced in a circle in the waves.
“Shelby?” My throat burned as I spoke. My therapist had warned me to not give her a name. I was told I needed to let go.
She winked.
The ocean began to swell behind the small figure. A wave larger than the others moved toward the shore. But it was more than a wave. It was solid. There was a shape submerged in the brine.
I felt a sudden urge to protect the girl before me. I rushed into the water.
She followed my gaze and turned to look at the approaching mound. She didn’t move.
“Shelby, come with me. Hurry.”
She shook her head, her jaw set and firm.
Billy used to get the same expression. He was stubborn and determined. I was too young to resist. He made me do things that I’d never told anyone about.
The shape in the water drew near. It was darkness. A blot in a midnight sky. It seemed to absorb every goodness, leaving emptiness in its wake. El Monstruo del Océano. It rose up, towering above us. It reached out and seized the girl.
I grabbed her hand. “No!” I screamed at the creature and tugged against its strength.
Shelby didn’t struggle.
“I can’t lose you, Shelby. Don’t let it take you.”
“It’s my birthday. I finally get to go. It’s taking me home.” There was relief in her voice.
“No. I need you here!” My eyes spilled tears as I fought the demon. “I’m sorry I didn’t carry you. Please don’t leave!”
The creature increased it’s pull and Shelby began to slip from my fingers.
“It’s time for you to let go now, Mommy. See you in heaven?”
I lost my grip. Shelby’s face beamed as she disappeared below the waves. I sank to my knees in the surf and wept.
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You played my emotions like a guitar. Well-done word muscian.
Blessings, Lynda
Great message about the need to let go of past sins and the way they can stalk us like a monster. Your description is awesome, as always.