longer played in the waves , taking the remnants of summer life away . Fog swirled down from the atmosphere , creating an indecipherable environment of grey mist . Nancy felt the hair on her neck stand up as if someone was watching them . Robert looked around , trying to see if they could make it back to the dock safely .
“ What now ? Are we going to hang around this miserable fog ?” Mary said .
“ There ’ s nothing we can really do ,” Nancy replied .
“ How is Dad supposed to drive when he can ’ t see ?” “ Help me …” Nancy stopped and turned around in her seat to search the waves . “ What ’ s wrong ?” Robert questioned . “ It ’ s … it ’ s nothing . I must ’ ve heard someone on shore —” “ Help me ….” The family exchanged worried glances . “ What was that ?” Mary whispered . “ I don ’ t know ,” Nancy ’ s voice wavered . They listened again . “ Help ! Please !” the voice called . Mary gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a scream .
“ Over there !” Nancy ’ s hand shook as she pointed in the distant fog , where a child was approaching the boat . Pale and thin with long white fair , the girl floated on a makeshift raft of driftwood .
“ Please ...” She called out hoarsely .
27