Adrift in Paradise


Usually when they went out on the water, Noah got a workout, because the motion of the ocean required he row with dedication. But today they were drifting. Today it was as if the ocean were still asleep and dreaming. Their images appeared clearly in the unruffled water when they looked over the side. Also the bottom appeared clearly, because they were deep in the back bay behind Moon Island in the shallows near the barachois and the freshwater creek that entered from there.

With the oars laid aside, there was room for Betty to sit with Noah. Also they had laid their lifejackets aside, so Noah could hold her the way she wanted.

“If we fall out, we can stand up here, silly,” Betty said, overriding Noah’s objections.

After Betty had her way for a while, Noah felt compelled to whisper in her ear, “Holding you is the best thing since water was invented.”

To which Betty replied, also in a whisper, “Well, someone’s not so shy all of a sudden.”

“I was reading in Ma Bertie’s diary,” Noah went on, “where Daddy Mac once whispered in her ear that time had eaten its way into his central nervous system, leaving a void there, so sometimes he missed things. It was when he was losing his memory. He was scared he’d forget who she was. It made me think that even if I lose you, I should have you while I can. Even if it’s only for a little while. I hope you don’t mind.”

A little later he pointed out the makeshift fort on Moon Island where he and his friends used to play. A tree had fallen and crushed the plywood panels they had nailed together, imagining themselves to be great carpenters as well as intrepid maritime warriors.

“That all seems like a long time ago, but really it was only last year. I think I’m forgetting how to be a boy.”

“I think you’re just learning.”

After another blissful interval, and only when she felt like he was feeling brave enough, Betty taught Noah how to kiss. That was when the dinghy did tip over. The soaking didn’t bother them, however. Noah even retired his muddy boots, just as they were, in honour of the day.

In awe of the day.

28 May 2024
Texas Jim
Prospect, Nova Scotia
www.granitecoast.ca