Reckless Refuge by Catherine Cowles EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available For Free Download
- Author: Catherine Cowles
- Language: English
- Genre: Small Town & Rural Fiction
- Format: PDF / EPUB
- Size: 2 MB
- Price: Free
PRESENT
I STEPPED over a tree root and avoided the rock that was a recipe for a
twisted ankle. After three years, my feet knew this path by heart. From the
meadow, through the thick forest, to the sea encircling this piece of land.
Some people would feel claustrophobic, knowing that they were surrounded
by water. It made me feel nothing but safe.
The constant sound of the sea lapping against the shore, the hint of salt
in the air. All of it was a balm that soothed the worst of my frayed edges.
Assured me I was protected. When I jerked awake from a nightmare, I had
only to lean towards my window to strain for the sound of water, inhale
deeply for the scent to know I was okay. Only the comfort of my mother’s
arms would’ve been better.
I followed the path as it dipped down towards the water, the beach, and
the dock. The majesty of the view never got old. The deep blue-green of the
water. The other islands in the distance, popping up like forest green sea
turtles. I could get lost in it. And if I were lucky, an orca might crest as the
beauty held me captive.
I jogged down the steps built into the small cliffside, heading for the
boat shed. I flipped the combination on the lock and pulled the doors open.
Kayaks lined the walls, along with life jackets, floats, and toys. I grinned at
the inflatable unicorn propped up against the corner. Lucy loved the thing.
Last summer, she’d spent half her time here, tooling around our little cove,
lying on its back.
I was ready for the Dowds to return. It had been months since they’d
visited the island. As the kids got more involved in extracurricular
activities, it became harder and harder for them to steal away from Seattle
for a weekend or week at their vacation home. And as the caretaker for the
island, that meant I was alone.
I usually soaked up that peace. It meant I could relax. I didn’t have to
guard my words or make sure I wore long-sleeved shirts. I didn’t have to
worry about letting something slip that might give me away. I was free.
But as the days dragged into months, the loneliness sometimes caught
hold. And the more years that passed with me on this thirty-acre plot of land
in the middle of the sea, with only occasional visits from my employer, the
loneliness grew fiercer. I gripped the door just a bit harder as I glanced at
my exercise mat and weights in the corner of the shed. I usually reserved
mornings for my workouts, but maybe today I needed town. The bustle of
people, even if I never said a word to any of them.
I snatched up the keys to the boat and made a silent promise to myself
that I’d pull the weights out this afternoon. Heading for the Boston Whaler,
I checked the waters around our little island.
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