“Did we take her far?”
“Up the river. Around the islands. Once to Alder Cove.”
“Did Marlowe come?”
“Once.”
“What happened?”
“He jumped overboard after a seal.”
Noah’s eyes widened.
“Did he catch it?”
“No. He discovered the ocean was cold.”
“I wish I remembered.”
“I know.”
He turned his face toward the strip of harbor visible beyond the yard.
“Could we take her out again?”
“When you are cleared.”
“You’re afraid.”
“Yes.”
“Of the boat?”
“Of anything with speed.”
My honesty silenced him.
“I won’t ask today.”
“Thank you.”
He looked at me.
“But one day.”
“One day.”
Noah stood carefully.
I moved closer without touching.
He shifted toward the ladder, then stopped.
“How am I getting down?”
“That is an excellent question.”
“I may have planned only the first half.”
