THE JOURNEY 

By Tessa Harvey

    A cool refreshing wind awakened them. At first Patrick was delighted, hoping to catch rainwater in their empty tins and the tin box.
    But when he glanced outside, he saw distant dark clouds on the horizon and the sea was no longer calm at all, but boisterous.
    Josie noticed but said nothing, not wanting to alarm the small ones. It had been so humid. Patrick had slept without his shirt. When his wife saw his side she smiled and her eyes danced.
    "What's so funny, woman?" he asked, pretending to be annoyed. "Too handsome for you and me?!" He smiled, looking down at himself. Then he laughed aloud.
    The children woke up, puzzled. Josie beckoned them nearer. She pointed to the almost square tin box outlining its shape with her fingers, then pointed to Patrick's side. Bluish bruises made the same pattern. So exhausted and battered, they had just fallen asleep any way they could.
    Then they heard the approaching drone of a small plane. Quickly Patrick gave Josie his shirt, hoisting her high. She waved the white garment frantically. Would they be seen?

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