Page 42 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton

She was staying in Crumbleton Sands.

With him. In his hut.

And he was going to teach her to surf!

Pete reached for her with his padded claws and drew her towards him for an awkward but enthusiastic hug. The water was cold around them, but Scarlett barely felt it as she grinned at him.

‘What was that for?’ she said.

‘Just grateful,’ said Pete, not letting her go. ‘This weekend turned out far better than I expected.’

‘Even with the van and the cold swim?’ Scarlett teased, remembering his initial grumpiness.

‘Even with those things,’ Pete confirmed. ‘You know, I always thought the hut was perfect for one, but I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be even better for two.’

Scarlett’s eyes softened, and she leaned in closer, the lobster antennae bobbing ridiculously between them. She desperately wanted to kiss him, but she didn’t want to take his eye out. ‘So… is this the part where you tell me lobster jokes for the rest of the week?’

‘Only if you promise to laugh at them,’ said Pete solemnly.

‘I make no such promise,’ chuckled Scarlett.

Around them, the fancy dress swimmers were starting to retreat to shore, driven by the cold and the increasing difficulty of keeping their costumes intact. Scarlett knew they should probably follow suit, but she was reluctant to break the moment. She wanted to hold onto this feeling – this unexpected joy that had swept into her life as suddenly as the tide.

Tonight, they would have the hut all to themselves, and blissful days stretched in front of them. Plenty of time to get to know each other properly, away from the chaos of The Big Dip and the watchful eyes of Crumbleton Sand’s residents and the ever-present Chilly Dippers.

And after that? Well, after that life was open and full of possibilities that she was suddenly fiercely eager to explore.

‘We should probably get out before we actually turn into lobsters,’ said Scarlett, her teeth beginning to chatter. ‘Frozen ones, I mean.’

Pete nodded, reluctantly releasing her from his embrace. ‘Race you to shore?’

‘You’re on,’ Scarlett grinned, already turning towards the beach. ‘Last one there buys dinner!’

She set off, the lobster costume hampering her movements but not her determination. She could hear Pete splashing after her, and a smile spread across her face as she pushed through the waves.

Whatever happened next… she had a feeling it was going to be one hell of an adventure.

EPILOGUE

CRUMBLETON TIMES AND ECHO - 27TH JUNE

Seagulls Spotted Wearing Costume Remnants

Several local seagulls have been observed sporting unusual accessories following the Big Dip fancy dress swim. Lifeguard Jade Mosely reports a gull with “what appeared to be a mermaid’s tiara” nesting on her chimney, while fisherman Bert Hodge claims to have seen one wearing “half a superhero cape, flying faster than usual.”

Local bird experts advise against feeding these fashion-forward birds, as “they’re getting ideas above their station.”

Lost and Found Box Reaches Critical Mass

The Limpet Café’s lost property box has officially been declared a “small independent nation” following this year’s Big Dip. Items awaiting collection include: seventeen mismatched flip-flops, a waterproof watch still telling perfect time despite being full of sand, and a mysterious set of car keys that reportedly “unlock every door in town except the vehicle they belong to.” Owners are urged to collect items before Sally Trant “turns the lot into another art installation.”

Caroline Cook. Editor

THE END