The Dark Sire Issue 10 (Winter 2021) | Page 27

With the engine rumbling on like a complaining elderly man and the supplies tucked away in the cabin , Robert pulled the boat away from the dock and headed out into the middle of the bay . “ Not a boat in sight ! We ’ ll have this entire place to ourselves .”
Nancy and her mother sat at the bow and enjoyed the view in silence . Despite Nancy ’ s usual nature to avoid anything outside of her room , she silently enjoyed spending time with her parents and the sea . In the wake of their vessel , bottlenose dolphins frolicked in the waves . Mary pulled out the camera and snapped photos .
Robert dropped anchor in the center of Summerville Bay and wiped his sweating palms on his trousers . “ It ’ s becoming quite hot out , isn ’ t it ? Mary , why don ’ t you get the lunch set up , and bring some lemonade too .” “ Yes , dear .” Nancy watched swimmers wallow in the surf toward the beach . She dropped her gaze while removing her yellow cardigan . Even through her cotton blouse , the heat was stifling , dripping sweat down her back , and she wished she brought her bathing suit .
“ You know , I wish you would spend more time with us .”
Nancy turned at the sound of her father ’ s voice , and he sat down on the pleather seat next to her . She wanted to move out of his sight , away from the sun but waited for him to continue .
“ Your mother and I are proud of you . I know she doesn ’ t show it as much , but she ’ s happy you ’ re leading a
25