August
SEP LEANED OVER the railing and watched the jellyfish spinning like ghosts through the ferry’s wash. The sea was slate black and glassy, the sky the color of polished brass—bright and pulsing with rich heat. He closed his eyes and turned his face to it, felt the light kiss his skin.
The island was shrinking as the boat neared the mainland—already so small he could cover it with his hand. But, even at this distance, he could see the tide’s retreat from the island’s glorious, barnacled bones.
And he could see the forest. He shuddered as he thought of the wet stone and the blood-black soil, remembering the smell of Barnaby’s fur as he wrung it in his hands.
Here, surrounded by the laughter of tourists, it seemed impossible, but he squeezed the bandage on his finger and felt his pulse throb through the half-healed scar on his leg. He finished his soda and watched the island vanish into the haze.
“You look serious,” said Arkle, leaning in beside him. “You changing your mind? Cuz, you know, if you wanted to stay, that would be, y’know, cool.”
Sep smiled. “No, I’m still taking the scholarship.”
“You sure? I mean, you’ve got the little Tenchling on the way, your mum and him are moving in together . . .”
“Dude—”
“I bet Magpie would like it if you stayed. Daniels might be less keen. You know he blames you for the whole ‘pellet-eyed crow’ thing.”
“I know.”
“He’s seeing a counselor about his nightmares.”
“I know, Arkle.”
“I was at the last match of the season: Daniels missed two penalties and got sent off. He’s lost it.” Arkle’s eyes misted over. “It’s beautiful, man. You all right?”
“Yeah, I’m just . . . thinking about everything.”
“You think too much, Sepster. Take a leaf out of my book—it’s got cardboard pages and loads of pictures. And talking of pages . . .” Arkle shuffled closer and lowered his voice. “What did you write on that piece of paper?”
“What?” said Sep, frowning.
“The . . . paper,” whispered Arkle. “The one you were going to sacrifice. I saw you give it to Hadley. And she’s had it ever since.”
Sep laughed. “Why do you even care?”
“Just that once you gave it to her she, you know. Kissed you. With tongue. I was thinking if I could get a similar message to Anna Wright, then—”
“I’m not telling you,” said Sep, grinning. “Here, what did you do with Rosemary? You didn’t burn her or anything, did you?”
“No way! I mean, I can’t believe I was cuddling that thing, but I buried her in the garden. I’m growing up, like.”
“Good,” said Sep. “Wait—whose garden?”
Arkle winked at him. “Never you mind. But listen, you’ll come back at vacation, right?”
“This still is vacation. I’ve not even left yet.”
“I know, but you will, right? Cuz Lamb’s getting Legend of Zelda, and I thought—”
“I promise. I’ll even be back on weekends.”
“And not just to French-kiss Hadley?”
Sep rolled his eyes. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“I am,” said Arkle. “How’s your hand?”
Sep held up the enormous bandage. “Not great.”
“It looks sweet,” said Hadley, appearing beside them, “like you’ve got one of Mickey Mouse’s fingers.” She took a quick photo of her friends, then reached into a carrier bag, balancing Elliot in the crook of her arm. “The ferry’s shop isn’t great, but here you go: one stick of rock candy, and one Milkybar.”
“Aw, Milkybar Kid! You got it!” said Arkle, beaming. “Did you get my”—Hadley passed him another box—“nicotine patches? Thanks, I’m gasping.”
Sep turned over the rock, looked at the words on its edge.
“Hill Ford all the way through,” said Hadley.
Sep nodded. He felt a tremor of recognition inside himself—a sense of place that ran up from the soles of his feet. “Thank you,” he said, taking Hadley’s hand and turning it over. The cut had begun to fade.
“It’s fine,” she said.
Sep nodded. He checked Mack’s watch, ticking steadily on his wrist.
“How long till we dock?” said Arkle.
“Not long. Half an hour.”
“Do you ever hear things with your deaf ear anymore?” said Hadley.
Sep shook his head. “Not since Lamb pulled out my rotten tooth. You want to try—see if anything gets through?” He angled his head. Her lips brushed his skin and sent a shiver through his body.
“I love you, Sep Hope,” she whispered.
Sep smiled. “That’s my good ear,” he said, squeezing her hand as they went to join the others.