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PROLOGUE
HUDSON
Iloved spending time at the beach even more so when I knew Dad was on shift and I could see him in his element, scouring the shores and ocean with his binoculars sat up in his tower. Spencer Beach Park, next to Pu’ukohola Heiau, was the heart of the area. It was a home to many of us locals and the place I loved to spend every moment I could whilst growing up. The gorgeous sandy beaches made it the perfect place to swim or go snorkeling so I could admire the coral reefs and marine life. Then if you throw in the added protection of the lifeguards and drilled in ocean safety talks I’d had from the moment I knew how to paddle my feet in the open water, it made sure that I knew I could completely relax without panic.
A day at the beach didn’t seem such a chore when all I could hear was the gentle waves when they crashed against the rocks. The sun’s rays as they beamed down on my skin that dried me off in an instant once I stepped foot out of the water onto the sandy shore. The ocean was a place where Dad and I formed a special connection. An unbreakable bond that we tried to make the most of whenever we possibly could.
Hawaii was known for its stunning beaches to visit. We could have traveled anywhere, but we always made our way to the beautiful ?Ohai?ula Beach’ when possible, as the large flat pocket of white sand had a slight angle to the underwater slope. It made it a perfect area to go and explore the sea-floor and to go snorkel together. It was an experience I’d never forget; one in reality I craved. I mean, the views I’d captured through sight were incredible and unlike no other places I could think of nearby.
Dad loved to try and capture the beauty for the house, but lately he complained it wouldn’t hurt for a Hawaiian Longfish to stay still long enough for a snapshot. I couldn’t help but chuckle. I know many people would kill for this kind of connection. This type of memory to hold on to. It was our tradition, a place in which we all knew like the back of our hands. The bustle of families and laughter until a day in which changed both Finn, my best friend, and I’s perspective on life completely.
It was a perfect summer’s day with Finn until the weather changed suddenly and I realized that life could easily pass by like driftwood on the waves of the sea if I didn’t find a purpose.
Finn made me see what my purpose in life would be that day. My dream. My ambition.
“Dad,” I screamed, “DAD!”
“I’m busy.” He shushed me, shouting down from the bright yellow lifeguard tower coated in red writing and warning signs whilst he looked through his binoculars to the east side of Spencer Beach Park.
“DAD, this is important,” I demanded, getting increasingly frustrated as I began to march in a small circle and bite my fingernails. A nervous habit I hated. I’d seen the last person run back onto the beach moments earlier when the lifeguard had placed the bright yellow surfboards out on display as a warning. I panicked. I knew it was a sign that waves were about to break on the shallow bottom of the sea created by the sandbar as they directed us all to move towards the eastern side of the beach. Finn, Miles, his younger brother, and I had made it out of the water in double quick time and had given each other a nod until we’d scanned the area and noticed the frantic hair pulling of a teenager scanning the water in search of someone. The child who’d been splashing nearby hadn’t reached the shore. “A kid’s not here. He looked six, maybe seven years old. Only five of us here went in the water.”
My father darted his eyes at me quickly as he realized that this wasn’t a prank, and I was concerned for this child’s welfare.
“You mean he hasn’t come ashore since the safety warnings have been put up?”
“Nope, he hasn’t come back in,” I said, fighting back my emotions, as Finn silently stood by my side and my father’s face steamed, an act of pure concentration. His brow was steady without a line in sight and his mouth poised as his eyes flitted across the levels of the Big Island, past the surfboards alerting of the warning and out into the wider ocean, in search of a child I’d never laid eyes on before today.
“This is Mason, begin searching for a six to seven-year-old boy…” He started to issue the command over the walkie-talkie to the other two lifeguards situated at the opposite sides of the tower, scanning their eyes across the ocean.
Finn Olen was someone I’d grown up with all my life and was regularly attached to the hip with. It hadn’t phased either my dad or myself when heading out the door this morning and Finn took a space in the backseat of the car as his mother and younger brother stood and blew us a kiss goodbye. It was normal for us. The previous day I’d spent time with them all as she drove through the Waipio Valley down the steep and twisting roads which overlooked the beautiful ginger trees. Mrs. Olen pulled up on the beaten track and we all got out of the car to take in the views of the long black sand beach at the bottom and to enjoy a picnic in the mesmerizing surroundings. It was just what we did together. We were inseparable and luckily our parents went with the flow, not trying to break our undeniable bond that we shared. Even when his younger brother Miles demanded all of our attention, it never phased us, and he tagged along when he desired. We just took it in our stride. It was as if the world had aligned and showed me how sacred a friendship bond was, a true miracle in which many people prayed to the God’s for showing them the opportunity in life.
Is that? No, surely not. I didn’t think I just ran. My feet pounded against the sand whilst my heart beat against the restraints of my ribcage.
A body.
In the distance.
Small.
Fragile.
A child.
Lifeless.
“Dad, look,” I screamed behind me. “Dad…” I moved as fast as I could. The strong wind blew directly in my face as it attempted to drag me backwards, but my determination wouldn’t be beaten as Finn and I raced across the sand. “Please… let him be alright.”
“Hudson… Finn, STOP,” my dad screamed from behind me, but nothing would make my steps falter. Not even the concern laced in my dad’s voice could make me stop and wait. Time was precious, every second counted. I had to get to him. I had to try. I needed to do my best and I hoped it wasn’t too late, as I grabbed a red buoy that was hanging around the edge of the safety warning area.
I crouched down and dragged the young child’s body up the beach away from the water. Blood trailed along the path with us as I noticed a deep gash across his leg. I knew I shouldn’t move him. That there could be internal damage and that I was meant to wait, but if I didn’t attempt to help, I’d never forgive myself. I noticed Finn was stood back and held Miles in his arms tightly to his chest. Who did he come with? Where was his family? His friends? Why hadn’t he listened to the announcement?
Come on, just a little further, a few more steps.
I knew what I had to do. I checked his pulse for a sign of life, but I couldn’t see anything. I dropped my ear toward his mouth, desperate for a breath as my eyes focused across the length of his chest. All I wanted was a movement. I focused straight back on instinct and how to check he’d be okay. I needed to see the rise and fall of his chest, the sound of his breath, or even a breath of air on my cheek. Anything to show me a sign that he was here with me. I just wanted him to be okay as I choked back the emotions and started with short, sharp breaths. I had no response, so I ran my hands central down to the midway point across his chest and began to lock my arms. I was just a teenager; he was less than half my age. I heard the screams of a group of teenagers running towards us.
“Finn, talk to them,” I shouted over my shoulder, noticing the influx of people beginning to gather around us. “Can you try and keep them clear of the area? I need to stay focused,” I pleaded, my voice breaking and on the verge of tears cascading down my face. I knew that wouldn’t help anyone, though. I had to be strong.
I knew the adults would be best to deal with the situation, but my mindset clicked into action. Age wouldn’t deter me in this nameless child’s moment of need. I felt it was my duty, my responsibility.
