Red Sea (2005)
“We can sail.” I don’t tell her that I didn’t get the prop cleared, that I was too afraid. I tuck a bottle of water into her berth, just in case she wakes up with miraculous strength and will to live. “And here’s a pack of saltines, a little crumbly, I’m afraid.”
I step in behind the wheel, loosen the nut and adjust our heading. Then I tighten the headsail. The boat heels as we pick up speed. If the wind comes up any more, I’ll have to furl part of the genoa. A gust could knock us down.
I open a... granola bar, pocketing the wrapper, nibbling the crunchy oatmeal in small bites. I have another in the pocket of my sweatshirt, but I make myself wait for it.
It’s not easy steering the boat. With no land in sight, all I have to go by is the compass bearing. I try to make small movements with the wheel so that the boat doesn’t yaw. Mom hates it when we yaw.
I hope she’s all right. I hope she doesn’t wake up and think she’s alone. I’ll have to get down below to check on her before it gets dark.MoreLess
I step in behind the wheel, loosen the nut and adjust our heading. Then I tighten the headsail. The boat heels as we pick up speed. If the wind comes up any more, I’ll have to furl part of the genoa. A gust could knock us down.
I open a... granola bar, pocketing the wrapper, nibbling the crunchy oatmeal in small bites. I have another in the pocket of my sweatshirt, but I make myself wait for it.
It’s not easy steering the boat. With no land in sight, all I have to go by is the compass bearing. I try to make small movements with the wheel so that the boat doesn’t yaw. Mom hates it when we yaw.
I hope she’s all right. I hope she doesn’t wake up and think she’s alone. I’ll have to get down below to check on her before it gets dark.MoreLess
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