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We reach the shore and scurry along it until we locate the boat. It is a simple rowboat, not much different from the one we used to get here. It will be more than adequate to get us back to the coast.
“Get in,” Kindra’s mother says, “I’ll unhitch the boat.”
Chesrie jumps in first, wading the shallow water to reach it. I follow, holding Kindra in my arms. When I step in, the boat begins drifting. I turn around expecting Kindra’s mother to need my help getting in, but she is still standing on the beach.
“Hurry or you’ll end up really wet,” I call to her, but she doesn’t move; I immediately understand why.
“You’re coming with us!” Kindra cries out to her, seeming to grasp what her mother is doing.
“I’m sorry,” she says, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Someone has to make sure that the people stay. To make sure that the demons of your parents don’t come after you. I can’t come with you. I can’t let you live with that fear. I love you so much, Kindra.”
“No!” Kindra screams, lurching toward the edge of the boat to jump into the water before Chesrie grabs her and pulls her back. “Let go of me!”
Chesrie starts crying. So do I. Both of us have felt Kindra’s pain before. We know how exquisite it is. Even years later, I am in this moment able to completely relive the anguish and heartache that I felt so long ago as though it is fresh and new. As though Mother is dying all over again.
“You have sisters now, just like you always wanted,” Kindra’s mother calls out as she disappears into the mist surrounding the island. “They’ll keep you safe now.”
I pick up a paddle and begin rowing. It is the only thing I can do to fight the agony consuming me like a burning fire. Eventually, the island completely disappears behind us, and the sun in the sky becomes clear again. It is just about to set. About to be buried. Into the Dead Seas.
