The Adventure of Hermit Island

9/1/13

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

.

1. (Friday, 7:45 am)

Tom stood on the harbor wall looking at the rows of commercial fishing boats tied off and resting from their night of labor. His eyes misted up and his breath caught briefly as he inhaled. He raised his left arm and reached out toward the nearest boat even though it was well beyond arm-length away. “Dad, I miss you,” he whispered. “You always knew what to do. But who can help me now?”

“To-om,” an insistent female voice called out from a good distance along the harbor wall. “Hurry up. It’s time to start.”

= = =

2. (Friday, 8:00 am)

“Good Morning. Welcome to Island Tours. I’m your tour guide, Sally, and to my left is Skipper Tom. We offer boating and walking tours of the noteworthy islands within a day’s journey of our home port. If all of you have your life vests on and have found a seat, we’ll begin.

“As Skipper Tom takes us out of the harbor I’d like to cover a few safety precautions. The approach to today’s island is somewhat hazardous. So I ask that you keep your life vests on at all times, and check to be sure the straps are snug and securely fastened. Also, did all of you sign the liability waiver before boarding the boat? Good.

“Here we go. We are just coming into view of Hermit Island. This island isn’t visited much. It is considered by the locals to be a rather lonely isle. Some even describe it as haunted.

“The first thing you’ll observe about Hermit Island are the Palisades. These are large rocky spikes sticking up out of the water just off-shore. They completely encircle the island and make it difficult to enter. This is the island’s first line of defense against those who would try to come near. And it does a good job of keeping most visitors away. But today we will brave the risk of passing the barrier so we can explore the interesting points which lie beyond. Remain seated and hold on to the handrails as Skipper Tom navigates through the hazard.

“Whoops! Heh. Calm down. There’s nothing to worry about. It’s quite normal for the currents to slam the boat against the rocks like that. But our boat is sturdy. So it’s okay. There, we made it.

“You’re now able to get a better look at Hermit Island. It may be described as somewhat plain looking. It’s not as luxuriant as many other islands. But it does have its appeal in a rather rugged way.

“You will notice that Skipper Tom is just nosing the boat onto a little beach. There is no harbor or dock on this island. It is completely uninhabited and is not welcoming to visitors. This small cove is the only means of gaining access to the island. Ah! We’ve now tied off so we can disembark. You may remove your life vests and leave them on your seats. Please watch yourselves as you climb out. Yes, your feet are going to get wet. That’s it. Are we all together? Good.

“From here we will hike up that small trail you see behind me. This will take us to what may be described as the Head of the island. It is a steep rise to the island’s highest point. Please watch for loose stones as we climb. OK, here we go.

“From up here we can view the entire panorama. As you see, we have reached a respectable height. It’s not impossible or even too difficult to surmount; but neither is it low and easy. Just enough challenge to provide charm. From here you can spot some of the points of interest we’ll be walking to shortly.

“If you will face toward the interior, in the distance you can make out the mud pits and beyond them to the right is the swamp. But here below us in the foreground you can glimpse that the island has some beautiful areas as well. We will be going down there in just a moment. Come this way.

“Behind me now is the entrance to a tunnel. There are several caves and tunnels on the island. This one will take us down through the inside of this peak we’re on and bring us out right at the island’s heart. Skipper Tom is passing out flashlights. Each of you please take one and try not to get separated once we’re in the tunnel. Here we go.

“Come along, miss. We’re all going this way. No, there’s nothing to fear. Nothing will jump out at you. What?! Hold Skipper Tom’s hand?! But, he’s my …! Oh, all right. Let’s go.

“Please pace yourselves. We have quite a distance to walk. You may notice a few odd smells along the way. Some people mention being bothered by a strong smoky smell. The tunnel fills with smoke periodically. It is speculated that perhaps this is due to muck burning in the swamp, or maybe it’s a fissure venting from deep down. But don’t be alarmed. There doesn’t seem to be any smoke right now, and it’s not likely to fill up during the short time we’re walking through here. People also sometimes speak of an odor similar to alcohol. This comes from the rotting and fermenting of fruits and other vegetation that fall in or are carried in by animals. At times the stench of alcohol gets so strong no one can get near the tunnel. But again, there doesn’t seem to be much smell today, so we’re alright. Besides, we will be coming to the end shortly. Here we are. We’re out. Are we all here? Good. Pass your flashlights back to Skipper Tom. Thank you. Hey! You two can stop holding hands now!

“This area is known as the Heart of the island. Please watch your step as we continue our walk. You will notice the ground here is very rocky and broken. Legend has it this was once the most lush place on the island but that some cataclysmic event long ago changed its characteristics. It’s now dry and barren. Very little seems to grow here anymore. Still, it’s not all bad. Come with me past this scarred area over to the edge of the drop-off. Be careful.

“There across the chasm you can see something on the other side. Take your time and look carefully. In that misty area you can just glimpse this island’s hidden treasure. That is the last remnant of it’s former beauty. Notice the tenderness of the foliage and the color of its rare flowers. Oh, did you see that little animal run by? It’s also said there is a small cave over there where it was possible to find precious stones and even some gold. But no one has been there in ages.

“It’s believed a native community lived on these islands centuries ago. They fished and hunted and possibly farmed. Legend says they even had a source of gold and buried their chiefs with golden weapons and medallions. Unfortunately their civilization was wiped out during the time of the conquistadors.

“There once was a kind of bridge that crossed the chasm. It was like a natural stone walkway that arched across to the other side. Unfortunately, due to the carelessness of some visitor long ago the span got damaged and then collapsed. So that area is no longer accessible. A few have tried since then to build a new bridge across. But none have been able to get a strong tie to the other side. I hear one or two even got hurt in the process, and that has discouraged further attempts.

“Next, we’ll make our way back to the boat. We don’t have to go through the tunnel again. From here we’ll just take a trail through the jungle. It’s a short cut back to the beach. Just watch for vines and low branches. This way, please. You’ll find it’s easier to get out of this place than it was to get in. It’s as if the island wants to help us leave. Just a little further. Be careful on this last stretch of slope. Good.

“Please watch yourselves as you re-board the boat. Put your life vests back on, making sure they’re secure. Once everyone has found their seat we’ll be off. We’re all set Skipper Tom. Here we go.

“Now, before going back out through the palisades we will go around by sea to the other side of this headland for one last bit of fascination. Although the side we were just on has a small beach and a climbable slope, this other side is nothing but sheer cliff face. It’s a vertical wall which stretches from below the sea all the way to the height of the bluff. This side is known as the Facade. Even though we’re seeing it last, this is the side from which most people approach. So typically, this is the first thing, and often the only thing, they see. Just an uninviting rocky face.

“If you will look closely, however, you can spot lots of crevices in the face higher up. Sea birds use them for nesting in season. All those splits in the surface cause an interesting effect as the wind blows over them and through them. Listen carefully and you can hear a soft sound that rises and falls. Some say it reminds them of mournful moaning. Others think it is reminiscent of a song and they say they can almost make out words. That singing is what gives this place a reputation for being haunted.

“Here, then, is the mystique of this strange yet lovely place. Whether you hear nothing more than the wind breaking through the cracks, or whether you’re one of the lucky few who gets to hear the wistful ‘Song of Hermit Island’, everyone parts with a different impression.

“Oh, oh. Here we go. Sit tight and hold the handrails. Skipper Tom is taking us out through the palisades. Just about through. Whew; we made it without any bumps this time.

“This concludes today’s tour. We hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves. We’ll soon be reaching port. Next week’s tour, weather permitting, will visit a much more lively island; more reachable, more verdant, and teeming with wildlife.

“Please remain seated and keep your life vests on until we’ve finished tying to the dock and you’re given the all clear to go ashore. On behalf of Skipper Tom and myself, Sally, thank you for choosing Island Tours. Bye, bye.”

“Tom, I’d like a few words with you. In private!”

= = =

3. (Friday, 8:00 am [same day])

“And, she’s off!” Tom thought to himself in the voice of a horse race announcer. “That girl says in a thousand words what others can say in just one!” He smiled at his witticism as he steered the boat through the harbor. He was the captain for Sally’s island tour business. They gave short expeditions to tourists who came down by bus from the city each weekday.

The pontoon boat had a rectangular deck with railings around all four sides. There wasn’t a triangular and rising bow; instead the front edge was square, and level with the rest of the deck. This is where the passengers boarded. There were rows of bench seats along each side of a center aisle, giving it the look of a floating school bus. Overhead was a bright blue canopy providing protection from sun and rain. Tom’s seat and all the controls were at the front to the right; while Sally sat on a high stool in the front left corner with a microphone to make herself heard. At the stern to the starboard side was a cooler of complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, while the port corner held a small bathroom. Tom was pleased with how he had laid it out for tourist service.

Although today’s tour was just starting, Tom already felt a bit peevish. He knew Sally had to keep up the banter; the tourists expected it. But she had the type of voice that got to you after a while. Always, hmm, what was the word? Chipper! That was it. Tom was a pleasant enough fellow himself. But not from the crack of dawn, like her. He needed at least three cups of strong coffee before he could even think of mumbling “Mornin’” to anyone. But here he was, what he liked to think of as the strong, silent type, partnered with what had become tour-guide-Barbie. Clearing the harbor entrance at last, Tom pushed the throttle lever forward and smiled as the roar of the engine drowned out her voice. He thought back over the past few years and how he came to be where he was now.

– – –

Tom’s father had worked the sea, running his own shrimping business until his heart took him. He in turn had learned shrimping from his own father, then pushed himself relentlessly until he owned four boats. He manned three of them with captains and crews hired to him and captained the fourth himself.

Tom’s mother did everything else there was to do in a household with two working men. He saw his Mom’s job was every bit as hard as his Dad’s. So he understood her reaction to a particular comment that often came her way. Other ladies sometimes asked what she did, then when she said “housewife” they would respond, “Oh, isn’t it nice you don’t have to work?” Tom could see her tense up and smile with gritted teeth. Why didn’t she tell them how hard she had it? But she was too modest for that.

Tom became ‘first mate’ on his Dad’s boat as soon as he turned twelve. So it was pretty easy to describe his teen years — six days working and one day for church and chores. At least shrimping was done at night so he could go to school. But all he could say was he “attended” because there wasn’t time for anything else. The boats went out at sunset, worked the nets all night, then came in to unload at sunrise. When that was done it was off for some breakfast before heading to school. As soon as he got back home he would have dinner, then fall into bed for a few hours of sleep before going to the boats again.

Tom remembered an argument he’d had with his father more than once. “Why do I have to keep going to school?” He often came home upset after the other kids called him names like “mullet”, or “slimey”, or “stinker”. “I don’t have any friends, I can’t sign up for any sports, and I can’t even finish most of my homework. So what’s the point?”

“An education is important,” Dad always answered. “I want you to have a better future than I had.”

“What better future? Everything’s already planned out for me anyway. I’ll take over the business once you’re ready to retire. What chance is there for anything else?”

“An education prepares you for a lot of things you’re not able to foresee now. You don’t know what the future will bring. So keep at it and finish. You’ll appreciate it someday.”

The family had a good business. During shrimping season, four boats earned them enough to pay all their bills for the entire year. Once the season was over, they fished for whatever was running at the time. What they made from these extra catches was put away for an eventual retirement. Hah! If only they had known that wouldn’t happen they might not have spent themselves so completely on work. They might even have tried to enjoy life a little more. But then, no one ever knows what the future brings. Besides, his father wouldn’t have done things differently anyway. Dad lived by principle, not according to situation or circumstance. His motto was, “Always be honest — honest with others, and honest with yourself.” He worked to instill this in Tom as well.

– – –

“Whoops!” What was that? Oh, he hadn’t been paying attention as they passed the palisades and the currents had knocked the boat into one of the spikes. Steering through this barrier could be dangerous. That’s why few people tried to come to this island. So that’s why Sally wanted to include it in the itinerary — it was different. But Tom knew how to get by it relatively safely. He didn’t try to push through from the side closest to the mainland like everyone else did. He would go out beyond the island then come back to pass through the barrier from the seaward side; later he would exit on the landward side. This way he could work with the currents rather than fight them. But even knowing this you had to keep alert or you’d be pushed into the spikes, like now. Well, they were through and his mind went back to reviewing his life.

– – –

During his senior year there was a girl who seemed to be in a similar situation; she was a loner too. She’d sometimes try to get Tom’s attention, but he didn’t want to go there. Life was busy enough already. He didn’t need a case of puppy love to make things harder. There’d be time enough for that later. He did notice everything that happened with her though. She had caught his attention that much.

The other kids knew nothing about Sally. She kept everything about herself a secret. Nobody had ever seen her parents and nobody knew where she lived. This drove them crazy with curiosity. The kids could have just figured her parents worked and shopped up in the city. But instead they made up all kinds of rumors about her. “My aunt heard their family is royalty, exiled from some country in Europe.” … “No way! My brother said she’s a homeless orphan. He thinks he saw her living in an old car at the junkyard.” The more they talked about it the more they just had to know her secret.

Then came the incident that put a stop to all that. A boy named Billy determined he would solve the mystery once and for all. It was probably the girls who put him up to it because you wouldn’t find his name on the gifted list. He was muscular and good at sports, so he was popular among the guys. He was also handsome and flirty, and that made him popular with the girls. But he wasn’t a strong thinker, so he barely got by academically. Still, he knew how to polish the teachers enough to keep them happy.

Billy began putting his moves on Sally but she didn’t bite. This confused him. How could any girl resist him? After using every angle yet having no luck, he tried his last resort — stealth and spying. Unfortunately he was too big to go undetected and he wasn’t clever enough to outwit a rock. So finally he called on his strength and endurance. But these had never failed him before.

At first it was comical watching him try to be sneaky. He was so obvious as he ran behind bushes and ducked behind cars that even a blind man could have seen him. So Sally began leading him on a wild goose chase. The amusement didn’t last long though, because by the end of the day Billy was dead. He was found by a search party at the foot of Lookout Bluff once his parents reported him missing. Nothing could be proven, so his death was ruled an accident. Still, there was no explanation for him being on the cliff in the first place.

Sally became a pariah after that. Everyone — boys, girls, even teachers — hated her. She was responsible for the loss of the most popular boy in school. Yet at the same time they were afraid of her. Sally’s protests that she didn’t do anything were ignored. And her claims that he slipped and fell by accident while chasing her were twisted into an admission of guilt.

As he passed knots of classmates in the halls Tom heard the stories growing wilder by the week. “It’s because of her that Coach Randy moved to another school.” … “My mom said it’s her fault we’re not getting any rain. God’s mad at us for not arresting her.” … “My dad thinks she’s using witchcraft to keep the fish away, and Billy was her blood sacrifice.”

Once Tom even shouted at them, “Why don’t you knock it off?! Do you know how stupid you sound? Some dumb girl couldn’t do any of those things!”

But one of the girls called back, “You just don’t have enough brain to understand, Shrimp Head!” And the rest burst into laughter.

The adults were almost as bad; abruptly stopping their conversations if they saw Sally walking by, and glaring until she passed.

One occasion stood out for Tom. He was walking home after school and saw Sally entering the pharmacy when she ran into Billy’s mom coming out. They both froze and stared at each other for a moment. Then Billy’s mother started screaming, “Demon child! Evil incarnate! Murderer!” Sally turned and didn’t stop running until she was out of sight. She also didn’t come to class the next day. That’s when Tom realized adults can be irrational too.

The incident remained the center of everyone’s conversation until the school year ended and most of the students left for college.

– – –

Tom carefully ran the boat aground on the little beach he had discovered years back. He cut the engine, picked up the rope from the bow, and tied the line to a nearby tree. Next he put a small aluminum ladder in place for the tourists to climb down. Finally, he grabbed his backpack with the supplies they’d need, then went over to the trail to wait for the group. Some time ago, when they first decided to bring groups to this island, Tom had brought out a “porta-potty” and set it on the beach behind the trees where he tied off. It had proven to be a smart idea. There was always a line for it each trip. Even though the boat had a small bathroom, most customers avoided it if they had another option. Perhaps it had something to do with using it while in motion. Or perhaps it was that many people mistakenly think a boat toilet just drops everything out the bottom and it’s left floating in the water. Tom smiled to himself, “Landlubbers!” While standing there his mind picked up his thought train where it had left off.

– – –

Few people were more surprised than Tom was when after six or seven years Sally turned up in town again. Although most folks remembered the events from before, much of the hostility and fear had melted away. Still, no one who had been around back then attempted to interact with her.

Those years hadn’t been easy for Tom. A lot had happened in his home life during that same period. Both parents had died, and this hit him hard. He went through a battle with alcohol while trying to deal with the loss. Only by grace had he escaped that hell. (He shuddered at the memory.) The shrimping business suffered as a result of his inattention and it had taken a couple of years to get it stable again. But finally he arrived to where he was feeling ship-shape and ready to take on his own ‘first mate’.

He was in his mid-twenties, established in business, and nearly past the age to turn his mind in that direction. But where to begin? If it had been hard to talk to people before, it was even worse now. Although he wasn’t bad looking, there just weren’t any single girls interested in him. He hadn’t made time for romance or friendship before, so now Romance and Friendship didn’t have time for him.

For Sally to show up in town just then seemed fortuitous. Tom hadn’t forgotten that she was the only one through all his teen years who had shown the slightest interest in him. So he noticed her arrival and made a point to find out what he could. Unfortunately no one knew anything. Neither was anyone friends with her to arrange an introduction. So he only gathered bits and pieces. Fortune seemed to smile on him, however; because by some coincidence he often found himself in the same places where she was shopping. He didn’t plan it. It’s just that wherever he went, there she was. What luck!

One day in the hardware store as he rounded the end of an aisle he bumped into her. After recognizing her they had a brief conversation about old times. On another occasion, while in the marine supply store buying specialty items for one of the shrimp boats, he ran into her again and her inquiry about restaurants turned into dinner together. From there it was as if things happened by themselves and before long he found himself married.

After the wedding Tom marveled at the change in the town’s attitude toward both of them. Girls who before wouldn’t talk to him were now calling him “the good one that got away”. And old ladies spoke of him as “a flower that doesn’t bloom until picked”. As for Sally, people no longer crossed to the opposite side of the street when they saw her coming.

– – –

Once the group was ready to enter the tunnel Tom unslung the pack from his shoulders and handed out the flashlights he brought. It wasn’t really necessary for every person to carry one, but it made them feel better to have something to grip in the dark. From time to time one of the female guests would act frightened and want to hold his arm. It was always a lonely older lady or a flighty teenaged girl. He didn’t believe they were really scared. He attributed their act to other reasons. But he remained polite and professional, and let them know there was no chance of mutual interest. Today’s girl was the same. As they went down the tunnel she kept walking slow so the two of them might lag behind the rest. But Tom firmly pulled her along so the group was always in sight.

– – –

After nearly a year married Tom stopped working the shrimp boats himself and found a captain for his own boat as well. He then bought the pontoon boat to start a guided tour business. A pontoon boat isn’t really built for seagoing; it’s made for cruising rivers and lakes. But Tom thought it best suited for carrying more than a dozen passengers yet still being able to pull onto beaches where there were no docks. Besides, Tom knew the weather patterns and the local currents better than most, so he only took it out when he was sure they would be safe. Plus, the islands weren’t very far offshore.

The guided tour business was Sally’s idea. She said it could be profitable if done right. She had a business degree and a lot of ideas on how to make and handle money. Another reason she gave was that it sounded better to be able to say they were tour-boat operators than to say she was the wife of a commercial fisherman. But he didn’t really get why that was different; both were honest work.

She also said this was a way they could spend more time together. At first Tom flattered himself that she couldn’t stand to be apart from him. But he eventually he realized she was insecure and jealous. He didn’t care for this at all. But he let it pass for now, putting it up to still being newly married.

When Sally first suggested she could be a tour guide, Tom laughed out loud. That seemed so foreign to her pensive demeanor that he thought it an impossibility. But she said she could do it. She said she knew what tourists expected of a tour guide and could give them what they wanted. Once he saw her actually adopt that persona he was amazed. That was when he began wondering just how extensive her acting skills were and what else of all he had seen was just pretense.

Sally also created his new “captain” image. The outfit she picked out was designed to have a romantic appeal for the customers. She wanted them to feel they were on an adventure. Even the goofy name “Skipper Tom” was calculated to add to the effect. At least that’s how she explained it. Initially he was uncomfortable with the clothes and the name and everything else. But she was right. The tour business was quite successful and growing in popularity by the month. Also, it wasn’t as limited in season as shrimping work. Best of all, it wasn’t nearly as hard. Just a full morning of smiling at tourists and they were finished by noon. So they were doing well. Still, Tom wasn’t at ease. Something was troubling him. Something serious.

– – –

When Tom and his ‘cling-on’ were close to reaching the end of the tunnel the girl pretended to stumble then fell against him, grabbing him in a hug as if she were trying to catch herself. Tom knew this was just a ruse. But it caught him off guard, so he too stumbled sideways and hit the left wall with his arm. The strange thing was, the wall moved! It had only been an inch; but he was sure of it. He didn’t say anything to the girl. He did, however, take careful note of just where in the tunnel he was. He finished leading his guest out to where the others were waiting, but now he was lost in thought. What could that have been? It would bear further investigation. He’d need to bring a pry bar and a good light.

“Hey!” Hmm? What? Oh, it was time to gather the flashlights again. He then heard the tour group talking about the cave across the chasm and the rumor that it held gold and jewels. Before now he had always felt this story was just a tale. But given his current circumstance it started him thinking. If there really was something of value over there, it could help him solve his problem. And maybe, just maybe, that moving wall in the tunnel could provide a means of access. Yes, he would definitely be coming back soon. Alone! But for now he must concentrate on getting the tourists back to the boat and back to port so he could start gathering the equipment he’d need for the exploration.

= = =

4. (Friday, 12:00 pm)

I know you sometimes have to give attention to the customers, especially as we go through the cave. I know you’re able to handle the flirty older ladies who like your sea captain image, and the pretty young things who obviously throw themselves at you. But before now you’ve never responded. Today something was different. You were interested!

You kept maneuvering close to her at the beach, and on the trail, and at the top of the head. Then in the tunnel you kept lagging behind everyone else. Finally, when you came out, you didn’t want to let go of her hand. Did you think I couldn’t see that? The entire group could see it!

Don’t raise that eyebrow at me. I could tell something was on your mind. You know I can sense what people are thinking. And you’re especially easy. I read you like a book.

Oh; raising both eyebrows now, hmm? Well I want you to know that I saw your interest in her, and I’m telling you straight — you’d better not pursue anything with her. And you better not even have fantasies about what she might be like. I’ll know if you’re doing that too.

I won’t live with someone I can’t trust. So if you ever give me reason to think that, we’re through! I’ll just keep all that’s mine, and you take whatever you can show is yours. Then we’ll each go our way.

Don’t let your mouth hang open like that. You look like a fish. I know you don’t like being talked to this way, but it’s your own fault. You’re changing. You haven’t been yourself for months now. Months! I can feel you’re pulling away.

Why? What did I ever do to you? I’ve done my best to make this relationship work. All the smart businesses decisions were because of me. You didn’t know how to run things. If you had gone to college it might have helped. But you didn’t. It hasn’t been easy but I turned it all around. I’ve worked hard to make you successful. I’m the one who made you what you are now. And what thanks do I get? How do you show your appreciation? By doing this!

Maybe you think everyone is as simple and gullible as you are. Maybe you thought I wouldn’t notice. But I did! Do you have any idea how humiliated I was today? How could you do this to me? To us? To everything I’ve built?

Where are you going? I’m not through. Are you going to meet that girl somewhere? Did you two make plans already? Come back here! If you leave now you’d better not come back. Wait!

= = =

5. (Friday, 12:10 pm)

Where did that come from?! Tom asked himself. Nothing she said was true. He didn’t respond to any of Sally’s accusations; he just stood up and left the boat. It wasn’t his way to raise his voice to a lady; however, the way he was feeling he couldn’t trust himself not to say something improper. So he’d wait until he calmed down. But neither was he going to listen to it any longer.

I need time to think. I need to get away. But where? I can’t go home. She’ll be heading there herself. Oh, I know. I’ll go to one of the shrimp boats until she leaves, then I’ll come back and take the pontoon out to the island for the afternoon.

That’s where he could have some solitude. And he’d also have a task to keep himself busy. He liked to be working on something as he thought things out. It helped him stay grounded. Soon he was on his way out through the harbor again. Tom didn’t realize Sally had misread his preoccupied thoughts.

How could she be jealous? She’s the one who came up with the romantic image. Didn’t she expect that girls would sometimes make passes? Still, she should trust me. I’d never do anything. And what did she mean, “today was different”? I didn’t even notice that girl. If anyone has cause to distrust the other, it’s me. If anyone has absolutely no cause to distrust me, it’s her. Of all the things she could do, this is the worst.

His integrity was his inheritance. It kept alive within him a part of his Dad’s presence. What’s more, this was the first time she had threatened him. He understood what she meant when she mentioned the things in her name. Everything of value was now under her control — his home, his father’s shrimp boats, and his business bank accounts. The only things left out were the pontoon boat, his truck, and his personal check book. The pontoon boat wasn’t hers too because it had been bought later and by then he knew to say no. While he had been enchanted with the glow of the honeymoon she convinced him to trust her judgment. She said her business degree had taught her how to keep assets safe.

She explained it would be smarter and safer for them to form a small corporation and put all they both had into it. This way they would be protected from creditors and any liability claims. He realized as soon as he thought about it this was a mistake, but he’d already given his word so he couldn’t back out. Then once it had been done, he saw that only she was listed on the incorporating papers. She told him it was just a clerical error in how the forms were recorded and she would correct it. Yet here it was more than a year later and everything was still in her name only.

He had wanted to believe it was just a mistake by a government clerk. But now that she was using his own property as leverage against him he saw it differently. It wasn’t innocent after all. It was planned.

He wasn’t going to let anyone coerce him into being their puppet. But he couldn’t go very long without a means of support. He still had the pontoon boat and his truck though. So if he could get a little capital, he’d be able to start building a new business. One that was his. I just need some seed money.

Tom arrived at Hermit Island and tied off. He rearranged the backpack with only what he’d need today, then took the trail up to the head. Once there he switched on a large flashlight and made his way down the tunnel to where he remembered stumbling against the wall.

He shined the light all around the section he’d felt move before. Soon he found a large crack extending around the wall in a somewhat circular shape with about a four-foot diameter. Now that he was seeing it with a strong light and knowing it could move he recognized it was a boulder pressed into a hole in the wall.

He clipped the flashlight to his belt and placed both hands against the rock. Then taking a stance, he pushed against it good and hard. It began to roll backwards. He was surprised at how easily it moved considering its size. He continued to push until there was a two-foot gap between the boulder and the wall. He stepped back quickly in case something might come out. Nothing did, so Tom shined his light into the new opening. It looked like there was a room or passage extending behind. He paused a moment more to build up his courage, then turned sideways and squeezed through the opening.

As he straightened up and was turning to face the area beyond he felt something snap under his foot. Quickly he shined his light downward and saw he was standing on a human skeleton. He started! As he continued to look he saw it was old. Those bones had been there a long time. But he couldn’t tell if they had been there a decade, a century, or a millennium. He took comfort in the thought that since these bones had remained undisturbed there weren’t likely to be any animals or such in the passage.

He shined his light around to examine the area. This was a side passage which branched off perpendicular to the main tunnel. He thought to himself, What a strange arrangement. It’s like an alcove closed off with a door. Hmm. It seemed more purposeful than natural. Although he could easily stand up straight here the passage looked to get smaller further ahead. Still, he’d go as far as he could.

Before continuing he paused a moment to address the skeleton. “Well, little buddy, from this side it seems if you had pulled instead of pushed you might actually have gotten out. Or, maybe you were holding it closed to keep someone else from getting in.”

Tom mused that maybe this was one of the natives from long ago. Perhaps on another visit he’d search for more signs of the former inhabitants. Speaking to the skeleton once more, “Well, let’s hope I make the right choice when the time comes.” Tom then started down the new tunnel.

After about fifty feet, the passage changed from running horizontally to going downward at a rather steep slope. But it didn’t look like more than he could climb back up so he went on. If the guy at the door can get up here, it must not be impossible.

He continued until he descended at least twenty feet, or maybe thirty, from the previous elevation. He was starting to think the passage couldn’t go much further, given the size of the headland from the outside, when he saw light in the tunnel a short way ahead. He switched off his flashlight briefly, then was sure; he was coming to the end.

There was another boulder just outside the tunnel opening. But it wasn’t pressed into place so he was able to move around it easily. Once his eyes adjusted to the daylight again and he looked around, he realized where he was. This was the bottom of the chasm. His guess had been correct. That moving wall did show another way. He took a good look at the landmarks so he could find this tunnel opening again, then set out. He went to the right, the direction toward the cave.

It wasn’t hard to recognize when he was directly below where his tour groups would stand. Scattered all over the ground here were lengths of old rope and broken wooden frameworks. There was also a lot more stone rubble here than at other places along the chasm floor. These must be the earlier attempts to build a bridge across. And perhaps there once was a stone archway after all. Well, that doesn’t matter now. All I need is to find a way up the side to the treasure cave and I’ll be set.

The chasm was about twelve foot wide and thirty foot deep. The walls were vertical and smooth with no place suitable for climbing. As he continued along again Tom noticed the walls getting steadily closer together. Soon he was having to turn sideways to get through narrow spots. He knew not to squeeze into any gap so tight he could get stuck. Nobody would ever find him here, that’s for sure. At last he couldn’t go any further. He peered forward as far as he could and saw it continued on the same way. If the walls are this close together down here, then maybe they’re also close together up top. If so, then it wouldn’t be hard to jump across. But as he looked up he saw the walls got further apart as they rose. So no luck there.

Tom turned and retraced his steps back to where he had entered the chasm. He then continued beyond to see what might be the other way. He was happy to notice the trail didn’t grow narrower. In fact, it even grew a bit wider. Unfortunately, this direction didn’t have any place for climbing to the top either.

Eventually he came to the end of the trail. The path stopped, the walls stopped, and there was nothing before him; nothing except a drop of thirty feet or more down to the sea. He had come to the far side of the headland where the Facade was. This end of the chasm was one of the fissures in the rock wall that made up the bluff. It seemed his quest had reached an end.

As he stood there disappointed he called out — to the island, to the air, to no one — “Why are you making it so hard?!”

His plan for escaping his situation was seemingly at an end. Sure, it had been a long shot. But when you’re desperate, you clutch at anything. He gazed down at the sea. The sea had given him his life, his livelihood, from the start. And more recently, this island and a few of the others nearby had also helped him. But now it was all gone. He watched the waters swirling around the base of the cliff. What would he do now? What could he do? He had counted on finding a way to the cave supposedly filled with treasure. But it would be of no help if he couldn’t get to it. He gazed at the water. Thinking …

He called out again, “What do I have to do?” He wasn’t really expecting an answer. But it made him feel better to express his frustration. He heard the breeze moaning across the facade. It sounded mournful, just like he was feeling. Then he heard something else. He wasn’t sure what. It wasn’t a sound in the air around him; but he became aware that he could hear someone speaking to him.

“Deeper,” a voice seemed to whisper to him. “You must go deeper.”

Tom tensed. Looking around he saw no one. He called out tentatively, “I don’t understand. Who are you? What do you mean?” There was no answer. He continued, “Are you God? My subconscious? Are you this island?” He heard what sounded like laughter. This was disconcerting, but he stayed still and tried to listen harder. Tom called again, “Who are you? What do you want? Will you help me?”

Then he heard it again, “You think if you just ask I will tell you. And you think if you know these things you’ll be able to find what you’re seeking. But you’re wrong.”

“Oh, uh, Spirit of Hermit Island, please help me. Tell me what to do!” Tom was shaking. But since he was getting answers he couldn’t stop.

The voice spoke again, “You have given me a name. But that’s not enough. You must search deeper. Deeper.” As the voice faded away Tom inherently knew it wouldn’t say any more yet.

He stood there quite a while longer. He reviewed everything that had just happened. He tried to understand what the voice was, but he couldn’t get very far. This was just too surreal.

From out of nowhere an idea popped into his head. It occurred to him that although he hadn’t been able to find a way across the chasm, it might be possible to get to the treasure cave from its back side by going down through the jungle, circling around, then coming back up from the swamp.

He returned to the tunnel and climbed up the long slope until he got to the junction. He then leaned over and put his hand on the skeleton’s head. “Are you the one I’ve been talking to?” But as soon as he asked this, a shudder ran up his back and he sensed this wasn’t correct. “Well then, as you were.”

He squeezed back into the main tunnel. Once through the gap, Tom felt it important to try to pull the boulder back into place. He recognized this was his father’s values at work, but he didn’t care. It was a law of life that, “If you open it, then you close it when you’re done.” Feeling for a good hand-hold and bracing his feet, Tom pulled on the boulder to see if it would move. It did. Again it moved more readily than he expected. He kept up the pressure so it would keep rolling. Then after a minute of slow-motion movement, it eased back into its former place and shut the opening with a low clunk. He shined his light on the wall and saw the crack was again as invisible as before.

Instead of going back up to the head, he continued down the tunnel to the landing just across from what he was coming to call the Treasure Cave. He stood gazing across. He wasn’t only interested in looking at the cave. He was also looking to see if there might be trails leading away from the cave. He didn’t spot any. He could see, however, that to the right of the cave the ground sloped downward in the direction of the swamp. That’s what he wanted to know.

He then turned to take the short-cut back to the beach. On both sides of the trail was jungle, and the path was narrow and overhung. He made his way slowly. He was scanning the bushes along the left side to see if there might be an opening in the dense brush that he could push through to find a trail going towards the swamp. But nearly the entire way down he found no place of access.

At last, only a short way up from the beach he found a break in the foliage large enough to press through. The jungle vegetation wasn’t just a hedge along the footpath. It grew solid and dense for miles. But this opening looked to be a small path that would allow him to get through the growth fairly easily. Looking through this break at the downward sloping jungle, he thought he could just make out the course of this little trail traced in the top of the canopy. He hesitated. He wasn’t prepared for a jungle trek. The equipment he was holding was suited to caves. If he wanted to go through jungle he’d need a machete and such. So he pushed out of the gap and onto the main trail again. He then continued to the boat and headed back to port.

After docking he paused to think of what to do next. He’d have to go home eventually; there wasn’t anywhere else to go. Besides, he had nothing more than a little pocket money and a credit card. But he wasn’t ready for home just yet. So he crossed the street to Alice’s Cafe’ and ordered the “special”.

By the time he had finished dinner it was well past dark. While eating he had formed a plan. He would park his truck in the street a little way down the block, then walk past his house to see if there were any clues as to what was happening inside. If all looked quiet, he would let himself in the side door and try to get up to the bedroom without being seen. If he could do that, he’d grab some clean clothes and go back downstairs to sleep in the den. That way if she started up again he’d be able to get out quickly and go stay at a hotel for the night.

It didn’t work. As soon as he came in the side door she saw him. At first she just glared at him, but once she saw him pick up an armful of clothes that set her off. So he left. But instead of a hotel he decided to just sleep on the boat.

= = =

6. (Saturday, 8:30 am)

“There’s something wrong, I bet. He doesn’t come in for a year, then all of a sudden he shows up for dinner and again for breakfast. There’s definitely something wrong.”

“Yeah. Maybe they’re splitting up.”

“Ooh, dibs.”

“No way. You can’t call that. I’m gonna try too. You always think you get first shot at the best ones.”

“No I don’t.”

“Yes you do. And you always try to take the ones I’m going for. You took Roger, just when we were getting serious. And in high school you took Billy, even though I saw him first.”

“I only try to be friends with them because of you. It’s not my fault they aren’t faithful. You should choose better guys.”

“That’s what I’m doing now. So you can’t call ‘dibs’.”

“Girls,” said Alice firmly. “That’ll do. Now get back to work. Finish filling the dispensers and bring the cleaned dishes from the back.”

The morning rush had left, but Alice wanted to keep her two waitresses from getting into another of their contests. Once they started it would continue for days or even weeks, disturbing the customers, until they found their way past it and were best friends again.

Pam was clearly the dominant one. But Carla could hold her own most of the time. Not only was she feisty herself, she was also the one who got Pam a job here, since Carla was Alice’s daughter. A few minutes later, however, they were at it again.

“He’s not even going to like you,” said Carla. “He’ll still remember all those names you called him.”

“Well, if they’re really breaking up,” said Pam, “maybe she’ll kill him; like she did Billy. Then you won’t get a chance either.”

“Oh no. You don’t think.”

“Girls,” said Alice. “I told you to stop that now, you hear?”

“But Mom. If he’s really available, I don’t want to miss my chance again. I blew it the first time. Like you did with his dad when you left for college.”

“Carla! Hush. You know I’ve been true to your father.”

“Sorry.”

“Besides, you don’t know what you’re talking about. We only ever went to church together. And, and I was best friends with his wife. So never say that again.”

“I said ‘sorry’. I’m just thinking of how to get Tom.”

“You don’t even know they’re having trouble. You’re only guessing. Maybe he just missed our cooking. And even if they are having an argument, it’ll probably work out soon enough.”

“Well now’s your chance to find out,” said Pam walking up. “Look out the window. There she is.”

“Hey, you two,” said Alice. “Don’t be so obvious.”

= = =

7. (Saturday, 9:00 am)

Alice exited her cafe’ and addressed the young lady on the sidewalk. “Can I help you, honey?”

Sally looked over and smiled, but answered in a tone she hoped would stop further conversation, “No. I’m just looking for my husband.”

Alice pressed on, “Well, I’ve seen you walking back and forth out here with your suitcase for some time now. If you’re waiting for the bus, it doesn’t come today.”

“No. I was bringing my husband some things but it looks like his boat is gone.”

“I think I recognize you. Isn’t your husband Tom? It seems odd he’d leave if he knew you were coming.”

“Yes, it’s Tom. He didn’t know I was coming.”

“Ah, then you must be Sally. I thought so. I’m Alice, of Alice’s Cafe’. Well, since he’s not here why don’t you come on in? We can have some coffee and a piece of cake. It’ll make you feel better.”

“Feel better?”

“Well if you’re standing here with a suitcase and he didn’t know you were coming, that looks an awful lot like someone’s having an argument. Come on in.”

“Umm, okay. Is it that apparent?”

Alice smiled but chose not to mention yet that Tom had been in for breakfast a couple of hours earlier. She wanted to get a better understanding of the situation before saying too much. Instead she pointed Sally to a corner table while she went for the food. Returning she sat down with a smile, “I could use a short break.”

After being warmed up with a cup of coffee and moaning halfway through a large slice of cake, Sally was feeling more relaxed. “Mmm! You were right. This does make me feel better.”

Alice glowed with pride. “I thought it would. Everybody loves my triple chocolate layer cake. It could brighten up a funeral! So you’re the one who caught Tom? I’m glad to finally meet you. You haven’t been in before, and Tom doesn’t come as much as before. You sure found a treasure in him.”

“Yes, I know. Well, at least he used to be. That’s what attracted me to him. But now it turns out he’s just like the rest. He can’t be trusted either.”

“Tom? That’s hard to believe. I’ve known him since he was a child, and he’s always been straighter than most.”

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Sure, honey. If you don’t feel comfortable about it.”

“It’s just that folks always think they can pry into other people’s private lives then gossip about them.”

“Mm, hmm. And sometimes they’re just making conversation to be friendly or even hoping to help when they see a problem.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“It’s ok. But it’s possible to let people know politely that certain subjects are off limits.”

“What? Are you a psychiatrist, or something?”

“Not exactly. I did want to be a counselor, though. I have a gift for helping people find their way through problems. I started waitressing just to pay for college; but when the opportunity came to buy this place from my boss, I made a choice.”

“So now you’re doing it anyway. Just in a different setting — cake and counseling.”

Alice laughed. “Hah! I never thought of it that way.”

A waitress interrupted their conversation to ask for help with a problem and Alice excused herself. Sally returned to her cake while she waited. It was too heavenly to leave unfinished. Suddenly her attention was grabbed by the sound of Alice’s laughter coming from across the room.

That sounds just like Mom. I wish she were here now; she’d know what to do. Mom is the only one … and Dad; Mom and Dad are the only ones I can trust. But, why? Why do I feel this way? I know it’s not normal to distrust everybody; but I can’t help it. I should make more effort.

Alice returned bringing the coffee pot and refilled both cups. She then set the pot on a neighboring table for one of the waitresses to retrieve. While Alice was sweetening her drink Sally picked up the former topic.

“People only want to get close so they can betray you. First in high school then in college. Girls do it too, but guys are especially bad. I’ve had a few relationships but they didn’t get serious. I could always see they were just trying to take advantage. So I learned how to turn the tables. Once they showed their true colors, they found their mistake costly.”

“I see,” said Alice. “You sound like a real hard one. And has that worked for you?”

“I get by. I don’t need anybody!” snapped Sally. “I learned long ago I can make it on my own.”

“Yes, I’ll bet you can.” Then after a moment Alice continued, “I’m sure you know how to make it alone. But, do you like living that way?”

“Well, no. I don’t like it. That’s why I looked for Tom. I thought he was different. But I guess there’s no one you can trust these days.”

“Gee, what a depressing outlook. By thinking like that you’re going to end up mighty lonely.”

“It’s true, isn’t it?” Sally said with a flick of her head and a look of defiance in her eyes. “I won’t live with someone I can’t trust.”

“That’s understandable. But have you considered it from the other direction? It’s also hard to live with someone who doesn’t trust you.” Alice paused a moment as she saw Sally’s forehead crease. “There are still trustworthy people in the world. But to find them you have to be that way yourself.”

Sally relaxed a bit and looked down. “It’s scary to let people get close. That leaves you vulnerable.”

Alice continued, “You said you’d arrange things so you could hurt others before they hurt you. But don’t you see that becomes self-fulfilling? By setting them up, you set yourself up.”

Sally didn’t answer, but it was clear she was thinking carefully about what was said.

Alice continued, “Sometimes bad things happen to us through our own actions to avoid them.”

Sally blurted, “That’s why trust is so important!”

“Exactly. Trust is important — mutual trust.”

“Ah-h-h,” Sally sighed. There was a pause as she reflected on this.

Seeing she was finally getting through, Alice went on, “Tom’s like his father; not much talk but a lot under the surface. They don’t act like everyone else, so you can’t treat them like everyone else. Honesty is everything. When they give their word they mean it, and they expect you to believe it. At the same time, if you enter a relationship with them they look for you to be just as honest. So, have you been?”

Sally answered, “Yes. Well, mostly. I was almost to where I could.”

“It’s just as scary for Tom. But he trusts the commitment.”

“I’d need to feel safe to give that much.”

“It doesn’t help you to look out only for yourself. In a relationship you have to care for what the other one needs too. When he’s secure, you’re secure. Your husband isn’t an opponent, he’s your partner.”

Sally had another ‘ah-hah’ moment. “Whoa. I never thought of it that way. I was just waiting until he could prove himself to me.”

“Honey, you should have been settled on that before you said, ‘I do!’”

“I know Tom does everything he can to give me what I want. But …”

“But?”

“I could ask him to do anything and he’d do it. When we started dating he was a smoker, but I just said I didn’t like it and he quit. He threw away his cigarettes and never smoked again. I’m sure it wasn’t easy; but he did it for me.”

“He’s like his father. Once they make up their mind, they do it. It was when his father died that he first took up the drinking and smoking. That loss really hit him.”

Sally interrupted, “Drinking? Tom doesn’t drink.”

“Not any more.” Alice explained, “One morning I was just opening up when his captains carried him in and asked for help. They were doing what people now days call an ‘intervention’. We locked him in the storeroom until he slept it off. Once he woke up it took all three of them to hold him down while I spoke. We told him he had to get a hold or he’d lose everything. Poor dear; said he already had. Once his crying calmed down we told him he still had people who cared about him. That made him sit still and take a good look at the four of us.”

Alice paused and got a faraway look as if remembering something. She spoke softly, almost to herself, “I’d have given anything to know what he was thinking right then.”

Then more clearly and addressing Sally, “I told him he needed to do right by his father’s memory. That did the trick. He swore not to touch another drop from that day on. He did keep the smoking habit a while longer though. I’m glad you convinced him to get rid of that demon too.”

“He’d do anything for me.”

“He’s devoted to you. I’m sure you know; and I expect you like it.”

“Yes. But.”

“Can you say you’re as devoted to him in return?”

“I want to be. I was trying to get to where I could.”

“There’s a saying, ‘What you want to receive, you also have to give.’”

“I’d like to.”

“What’s the problem? With Tom it should be easy.”

Sally leaned a little closer to Alice and dropped her voice. “It’s; you can’t ever tell him I told you. He’s seeing another woman.”

“Hah! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.”

“Why are you laughing at me?!” Sally pushed back from the table. “Stop laughing at me!”

“Oh, Sally. I’m not laughing at you.” Alice reached for her hand. “Aw, honey, come on. It’s just that what you said is impossible. How can you still not know him?”

“But I saw him,” Sally slowly slid forward again. “She threw herself at him and he was interested. It was a bimbo from yesterday’s tour.”

“There’s no way. I don’t know what you saw but it certainly can’t be what you’re saying. And if this girl was from yesterday’s group, then she’s not even around. That whole bunch left when the shuttle bus came by.”

“What? You were watching? You saw her leave? But I thought she and Tom.”

“Yeah. I always watch out the front windows when I see Tom’s boat come back with the tourists. I keep hoping some of them might come for a bite before heading back to the city. But like always, the entire group got on the bus without stopping. So your girl isn’t even here.”

“But I was sure.”

“But, nothing. You were wrong. You didn’t say anything like that to him, did you? I sure hope not, or you’ll have a real problem on your hands.”

“Like how?”

“You did, didn’t you?” Alice gasped. “Oh, Lord. You’ve hurt him deeply. More than you know. Tom’s father ended a long-term friendship because the other one implied he was unfair in a business deal.”

“Oh, no! But I was sure. I said I knew he was cheating on me and I told him to get out.”

“Ah, dear. It seems I’ve wasted my breath. We spoke too late.”

“I saw something and I reacted.”

“How would you feel if someone accused you falsely?”

Alice noticed Sally’s startled look and realized she had just hit a nerve, so she paused while the question had its effect. Sally turned pale as a range of expressions played across her face. Soon a look of anguish appeared and remained. Sally’s shoulders sagged, her face turned downward, and tears came to her eyes. At length she spoke.

“How could I? I know what it is to be accused. How it feels when people say you did something you didn’t. I swore to never do that to someone else. Now I’ve have. And he was the only one who didn’t believe the lies about me.”

Alice handed Sally a napkin then placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Oh, Alice. What can I do?”

“I’m not sure it’s possible to fix this now. You’ve done one of the three ‘unpardonable sins’. Don’t ever accuse him, don’t threaten him, and don’t ever call him stupid. What’s the matter?”

“It’s, I, I’ve done it all.”

“Oh, child, you didn’t. Well then, I expect it’s over.”

Sally’s crying renewed with a loud sob and she grabbed several more napkins from the dispenser.

Alice leaned back in her seat and said, “Well, what’s done is done. Do you have some place to stay?”

“No!” Sally almost shouted. “I mean, yes, I have my home. But, no I can’t just give up. I have to try something. Anything.”

“I can see you’re sorry. But I’m not sure there’s any help for it. The only thing that might have a chance is what you’ve just done — a confession and an unreserved apology. Still, don’t get your hopes up; it would just be a long shot.”

“I have to try. No one else has ever wanted, um, he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted. I can’t lose him.”

“It’s a bit late to figure that out. But as they say, ‘better late than never’. You know, if you save this somehow, you’ll have gotten lucky twice.”

“I have to go. He could come back at any time and I need to get ready.”

“Yes, hurry along. It’s been nice talking with you, though.”

“Oh, Alice, thank you so much for all you’ve done. It’s really helped. I’ve been such a fool.”

“Here, don’t go off without your suitcase. You might want to put these things back.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks.”

“Take care, now. And I’ll be praying for you.”

“What? Oh, uh. Thank you. Bye.”

= = =

8.(Saturday, 3:00 pm)

Quicksand! Struggling to free one limb only pushed the other three deeper. Tom stopped moving and tried to resist the panic that was building. The fear was nearly to the point of blinding all thought. As he held still a moment he became aware of a slight relaxing of the mud. He realized also that by holding still the mud was actually providing a bit of buoyancy. Very slowly he lifted his head and leaned it backwards. There; that helps! By having his face clear, and feeling that at least he wasn’t sinking further, the panic began to subside. I must stay calm. With effort he began to slow his breathing. Perhaps I can turn my body so I’m laying on my back and bring my legs up some. It took a bit of time, but at last he was floating horizontally with most of his body near the surface. Once in that position he found that by moving his arms and legs in a sweeping motion across the surface he was able to propel himself a few inches at a time. He didn’t know how long it took, but some time later he had made his way across the mud flats to the firm terrain on the upland side.

At last he felt his foot bump something firm below the surface. He carefully pushed his leg down to see if it was what he was hoping for. It was! He rolled over onto his stomach, reached for the bottom, and when he had gained his balance, he stood up and pulled himself the rest of the way out of the ooze. Once he was a good way up on solid ground he collapsed and rested.

– – –

Earlier that morning Tom had come back to Hermit Island and pushed his way through the jungle until he reached the swamp. The swamp stretched across the lower end of the island. So it was time to change his heading in order to loop back up the other side. He then entered the swamp and began crossing that. Soon he had turned again and was heading back toward the headland.

The swamp was marshy ground with very few trees. It was mostly tall grasses and scattered shrubs, and lots of streams and pools criss-crossing everywhere. Walking through it was difficult. The mud and water were always up to his ankles and frequently sank him to his knees without warning. But he had kept a steady progress until the afternoon.

Even though the vegetation was often more than head high, there were enough open areas that he could keep sight of the headland standing tall in the distance. This way he was able to keep his bearings. He knew that before long he’d reach the mud flats and what little was known called them perilous. He hadn’t wanted to come this way but there was no alternative. Besides, he felt that with a lot of care and a little luck he’d be able to pick his way through without much problem. He was wrong.

The mud flats, like the swamp, were very wet. It was thought that the actual pit areas were caused by springs bubbling up. But the ground in this part of the island wasn’t the typical soil; it was more of a fine clay. So the entire place was the consistency of wet cement interspersed with hidden water pits. He hadn’t thought ahead how he might be able to cross it but felt sure he’d find a way once he got here.

The swamp and the mud flats transitioned into each other without a clear boundary between them. The only sign was that the plants were getting lower and more patchy. So Tom didn’t know at first that he had already crossed into the next area. It was when he sank to his knees for the hundredth time and tried to get up again that he noticed something different. The mud around his legs was holding much tighter than previously, and he had to struggle before he finally got loose and found a spot firm enough to stand steady. Then he realized — this isn’t just mud, it’s quicksand.

That was when the alarms went off in his head and his conscience shouted, “What are you doing?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?” But he caught his breath and reasoned in reply. “That would be better than having to live under someone else’s thumb!” He then pressed on going even more slowly, trying each step before putting weight down and struggling free of several more missteps.

He had passed where the vegetation ended completely and was about halfway across the open area when he fell. He had spotted a place on the far side of the flats which appeared to be solid ground. It was a different color, it rose up about a foot higher than the flats, and it looked like it was grassy. It was because he was distracted by this sight and the thought that he might actually make it across alive, that he didn’t notice in time there was no support for the next step he was taking. He then couldn’t regain his balance before falling all the way in.

It hadn’t been easy but he had at last slid his way over to that piece of ground which had caught his attention. Now he could rest and take stock. His backpack was gone so all of his supplies were lost. He only had what was in his pockets and that wasn’t much. His situation was even more desperate.

– – –

(6:00 pm)

As he lay on his back he called toward the sky, “Oh great Spirit of Hermit Island, are you there?” He felt his stomach clench and a shiver go up his back but it wasn’t from feeling cold. So he continued, “Why did you almost kill me? You said go deeper and I was obeying. So what are you doing?” He waited for a response.

“You must learn.” It was the voice again. Tom still couldn’t tell where it was coming from though. Was it inside him? Was it somewhere outside? He didn’t know. But he couldn’t take time for that.

“Learn? Learn what?”

“It’s an object lesson,” the voice answered. “Even what seems solid ground has treacherous places.”

He lay there considering the meaning of this and how it might apply to him. His home life had been pretty stable, at least until Sally blew up yesterday. It could be referring to that. Also, his financial situation had been secure up until last year when his wife put all his assets in her own name. Maybe that was it. That’s funny, he thought, both problems involve her. Or further back even, things had gone pretty bad for him emotionally when his parents had died. Is that what was meant?

The voice came again, “It is all of those and more. It can refer to possessions, careers, relationships, religions, and many other things. Anything not kept in proper balance and proper perspective can change from being advantageous to being a hindrance. It can happen when a means to an end becomes an end unto itself. Or when something good is taken to an extreme.”

Tom responded, softly this time since he realized he didn’t have to shout, “I understand most of that, I think. But what did you mean about religion? You mentioned religion too. I would have thought you would be in favor of that. Isn’t that something where more is better? No, wait. I know that’s not true.” He paused before expressing his next thought.

“But what about my Mom and Dad? They always went to church. They were always honest and hard working. They lived by the principles of the Good Book. I can’t believe they were taking it too far. They had the right balance, didn’t they? So why did they have to be taken so soon?”

It was a minute or two before the voice came again. “Yes, they had themselves in balance. And they were happy with their lives all the way to the end. What more could anyone want than that? Your unhappiness isn’t because they weren’t ready, but because you weren’t ready for them to go. It’s your life that’s out of balance.

“You let your father make every decision for you. Thus you were living his life not your own. So once he was suddenly gone, you were lost. After your mourning ended and you took up the business again, you began building a life for yourself. That was good. But when Sally came you slipped back into letting another make decisions for you. You let her determine everything, even when you knew she was wrong. So now that you face being alone again you’re still not sure you can make it.”

Tom considered the implication of all this for some time. At length he asked, “Are you saying it’s wrong to have the shrimping business and the tour-guide business since they weren’t my decisions?”

The voice came back, “No. That isn’t the meaning at all. The problem isn’t with the businesses themselves, but with your engagement in the decision-making in order to make them yours. You still think of them as “your Dad’s business” and “Sally’s business”. And that’s not the only area where you do this. You go to “your Dad’s church” because that’s what he’d expect. That’s the wrong reason. If you choose to do something, it should be that you feel it’s helpful for finding your identity. Who are you, Tom?”

Tom lay there thinking about this until he fell asleep. It was already evening and had grown dark as they talked. So that coupled with his fatigue caused him to drop off. The sky was just showing the first signs of light when he woke up. The final question of the night before was still foremost in his mind. “Who are you, Tom? Who are you?”

– – –

(Sunday, 6:00 am)

Tom stood up and stretched, then looked around for a convenient place to relieve himself. Strangely, he didn’t feel hungry. This whole ordeal had put him into a peculiar state of mind and this seemed to have affected his appetite. He was thirsty, though. His water bottle had been lost with the backpack, so his only option was to drink from one of the little streams nearby and hope it wasn’t contaminated with bacteria or amoebas. While at the stream he took the opportunity to wash his face and clean off some of the dried mud still all over him. With those needs taken care of, he went back to where he had been before, sat down and called out. “Who are you? You asked who I am. So I ask back: who are you?”

Tom held his breath, wondering if the voice was willing to talk. He was glad when it responded, but cheer turned to frustration as he heard the reply. “You’ve already given me a name.”

Tom shot back, “Yeah, but I’m not sure if it’s right. Who are you really? And what do you want from me? If you are this island or its spirit, are you trying to trick me into becoming a part of you? Maybe because of my situation you think I’m a good candidate to become like you.”

It was several moments before an answer came. “Do you think, if that’s truly the case, that by knowing it you would then have power to do anything about it? Do you really believe I’m trying to harm you? Do you find no help in all I’ve said?” Tom had no answer for these questions. Soon the voice went on, “You still haven’t learned enough. You must go deeper.”

As the voice faded away on the last word Tom knew it wouldn’t be saying anymore now. So he stood up, faced toward the peak, and started off. The ground began rising and soon was no longer swampy. As he went Tom saw it would be a relatively easy trek to reach his goal. The incline was increasing but the terrain was good for walking and he was feeling invigorated. At this rate he would be at the cave within an hour.

– – –

(8:00 am)

Tom knew as soon as he pushed between two shrubs that he had reached his target. Here was the lush foliage he had seen so many times from the other side of the chasm. He stood still and just gazed.

This was the Heart of the Island. Its splendor transfixed him. The dew hadn’t evaporated yet so everything was sparkling. He’d never seen such a variety of flowers outside a botanical park. How could a garden like this occur naturally? With such vibrant colors and perfume it was Edenic. The fragrances of dozens of blossoms blending together made him dizzy. With effort he pulled himself out of this hypnosis then moved in slow-motion toward the cave.

The cave entrance was even smaller than it appeared from a distance. He had to bend over to peer into it. He noted there wasn’t a pot of gold waiting at the door. He felt his chest tighten and his pulse increase. What if there’s nothing there? No! There has to be.

He felt his pockets. He kept a penlight on his keychain, if that hadn’t fallen out. It was still there. He untwisted the flashlight from the keyring, then put the keys back in his pocket. He clicked on the light, crouched down, and moved into the cave.

It got even darker inside as his body filled the entrance. He paused to let his eyes adjust. Just past the entrance the cave opened up into a small room. He stepped in and moved away from the opening so more light could come in. Tom saw that altogether the entire cave was no larger than a small bathroom. No, that wasn’t it. It was like a crypt! He shuddered.

He shone the light on each wall, over the floor, and across the ceiling. He was careful not to miss any spot that could hold treasure. But he quickly saw there was nothing here. He went over it again. Was there any possibility of a hidden door? No. Was there some place where gold could be dug up? No. Everywhere was nothing but solid rock. Smooth, hard, empty. It was over. The dream burst!

“It’s all gone. Nothing left. Nothing of Dad’s … no wife … no job … ho hope!” His jaw clenched to stop his lips from trembling. “I need a drink!” Soon his hyperventilating ended in the cry, “I risked my life for nothing!”

His quest for a new start had reached an end. The disappointment of finding no treasure was quickly joined by thoughts of every other loss and bad experience. His legs weakened and gave way. He collapsed to the ground, then fell slowly to the side and curled up. As emotions overwhelmed him he couldn’t hold back any longer. He cried.

Eventually there was just the faint sound of someone gasping for breath. The tears had stopped. But he remained in a fetal position trying not to think. When thoughts did come they involved wishing he could die right where he was.

“What do I do now? What do I do?” He didn’t know whether he had spoken aloud or only thought it.

Unexpectedly the voice answered him softly. “What do you want to do?”

It took a few moments to realize he’d heard it. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“What do you want to do?” it repeated, this time more firmly.

“Well, um … I don’t know,” Tom began. “I guess I have to live.”

The voice took on a disdain it hadn’t used before, “Have to live? Do you still not know how precious life is? You said your parents died too soon. How can you want to die even sooner?”

“Well, I guess I don’t really want to die,” Tom said defensively. “But I wish things weren’t so bad as they are right now!”

“How do you want them to be?” the voice asked. “Ideally.”

Tom sat up, “Ideally? Well, ideally I’d like my wife to trust me. And I’d like to be able to trust her. And I’d like to have my businesses back in my name.”

The voice interrupted before Tom could continue, “Your businesses?”

“Yes! My businesses,” Tom went on. “They’re mine. At least, mine too. I work just as hard as she does. I’m smart too. And I brought just as much to this marriage as she did. Even more!”

“You seem unusually forceful now,” the voice stated.

Tom replied, “Well, that’s the way it should be. I’m tired of, of, I don’t know. But I’m tired of something.” Then shouting, “I’m tired of giving in!”

“At last you’ve come to it, Tom,” the voice said calmly. “You’re finally recognizing that your thoughts and desires are just as valid as everyone else’s, and you must consider your own needs as well. The way your father put it was, ‘Always be honest; be honest with others, but also be honest with yourself’.”

“Oh-h-h!”, gasped Tom with dawning understanding. “Is that what that means?”

“Yes,” the voice said. “You’ve never been honest with yourself. That’s why you’ve always been unhappy. That’s why you’ve felt so frustrated.”

Tom sat silent several minutes thinking of it all. At length he said, “I’m going home. I’m going to see if Sally wants to be with me or not. And even if she takes everything, I’ll still survive. I can always start again if I have to. Then I’ll run my business, whatever it turns out to be, the way I want to run it. And I’ll be honest and happy in my work until the day I die. Which is all anyone can ask for anyway.”

– – –

(10:00 am)

Tom crawled out of the cave and stood up straight. He lifted his face to the morning sun and took a deep breath of perfumed air. He said out loud to the world, “This is a great day to start life again!”

He looked once more at the beauty surrounding him. A sense of reverence came over him again. He thought to himself, This is what worship truly should be.

“That reminds me,” Tom posed to the voice, “Will you tell me now who you are?”

“You still don’t know?” it replied.

“Well,” said Tom, “it could be you’re just me. Or some type of projection from my subconscious.” Then after a pause he continued, “Or it could be you’re God. But if you are, you’re sure a lot different than I expected.”

“I’m sorry,” said the voice, “but that’s something you’ll have to keep working to figure out.”

“No!” pleaded Tom. “Don’t do this. Don’t leave it like this. You’ve already helped me so much; why not finish?”

“Remember what I’ve told you,” said the voice. “Do those things which are helpful for finding your identity. Life is a journey, not a destination. So enjoy the trip. As you make your way you’ll keep learning. Eventually you’ll find you can answer your question. But in the meantime, I’ll be here to talk whenever you need to.”

“You’ll still be available?” Tom repeated. “Whenever I want? Okay. Then I can wait a bit. But I warn you, I’ve got a lot left to talk about yet. Also, I want to change what I call you. Instead of Spirit of Hermit Island I think I’ll call you ‘Friend’. At least until I know your real name.”

Tom started to take a step forward, then stopped. “Oh, one more thing, Friend,” he called. “How do I get out of here? I sure don’t want to go through the mud flats again.”

Friend answered, “What did you discover while on the chasm floor?”

Tom thought about it, “At this end the walls got closer together. At first it seemed close enough that I might jump it. But as I looked up I saw they were farther apart higher up.”

Friend replied, “That was only there at that spot. What else did you see?”

Tom recalled, “The chasm continued a lot further, but I couldn’t get into it. Oh, because it kept getting narrower.”

“Yes,” said Friend. “If you go to the chasm and follow it along, you’ll soon come to a place where you can get across.”

Tom immediately started forward. It was only a couple of dozen steps to reach the chasm. After a final look down he turned left and walked to where the clearing ended and the jungle began. He then pushed his way into the foliage.

It wasn’t so dense as to be difficult, but it was thick enough that he had to take care to keep sight of the chasm. For one thing he didn’t want to lose track of it as it made zigs and zags. For another thing he didn’t want to find himself accidentally stepping over the edge.

He had gone only a hundred yards or so when he entered a small clearing. The chasm was plainly visible and the opposite edge was now barely a yard away. What’s more, there was a similar open space in the jungle on the other side. It was as if there was just a single large clearing with the crack of the chasm running through its middle.

It could hardly be called a jump. It would be more of a long step to cross to the other side. Even so, considering the depth of the drop he didn’t want to take chances. So he made a much greater leap than needed. There. He made it.

Tom turned to pick his way back the same direction he had just come, but now on the opposite side of the chasm. Again it wasn’t difficult. After going what he felt should be far enough to reach the landing he saw the way blocked due to the bushes becoming much thicker.

He stopped and caught his breath a moment while he considered what to do. He noticed low down near the ground what seemed to be an animal trail through the brush. It was about the size to allow a large dog. He got on his hands and knees and tried to push into it. Yes. The branches were moving aside enough to get through. He kept crawling and after a few yards he came out onto familiar ground.

At last he was on the landing where he stood so often with tour groups. He looked back at the small place he had just crawled through. It blended well with the vegetation so it was hard to notice; but Tom knew he’d never forget where it was. He then walked to the edge of the chasm and raised his left arm. Reaching out toward the cave he called, “Thank you! You held a treasure after all. Just not what I had been seeking at first. I’ll be back again. Soon.” With that he turned and headed down the familiar path to the beach.

= = =

9.(Sunday, 12:10 pm)

“Oh, Tom! Where have you been? I’ve been so worried. It’s like I’ve been dead for two days.” Sally jumped up from the couch. As she rushed toward Tom she stumbled slightly as her knees weakened. He was home; he had come back to her. All the fears and what-ifs of the endless waiting evaporated as she threw her arms around him. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry …”

Tom interrupted her, “Shh, shh, shh. It’s ok.” He held her until she was no longer trembling, then released his hug.

He had walked in the front door not knowing what he’d find. But even before he’d finished closing it Sally was leaping at him from the couch, crying with joy. Without a word he wrapped his arms around her. He now knew he still had what he’d come to realize was most important to him. As they clutched each other in silent embrace he looked upward and whispered to his Friend, “Thank you.”

Once he had done this, they relaxed their hold and looked into each others’ eyes. He started to say, “I love you”, but he’d barely inhaled before Sally was saying, “Thank you,” and going into one of her long monologues. He didn’t mind this time. He was just glad to be home.

While waiting Sally had decided to try Alice’s suggestion about confession. “After you left I went down to the dock to look for you, but you weren’t there and the boat was gone. Alice from the cafe’ saw me upset so she came and talked with me. I shared with her my feelings and she set me straight. I know you haven’t been with anyone. I was just being stupid.

“You believed in me after the accident with Billy even though everyone else avoided me. It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t do anything to him. But no one believed me except you.

“He was prying into my personal life so he could betray me and make fun of me with the others. When he was chasing me no matter what I did or where I went he wouldn’t give up. I began wishing he’d trip and fall so I could lose him. Oh, how I wished it. At last I didn’t see him behind me and was relieved to finally be away. But after I heard about him falling, I remembered my wish. Oh, Tom. I know better now, but at the time it shook me up to think I could wish people dead.

“Then when the others saw me feeling guilty they assumed the worst and began saying I lured him up there on purpose and pushed him. I couldn’t stand it. I was so glad to go away.

“After college I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to come back here. But I remembered you; how you were honest and good-hearted. I wanted to know if you were still here. Marrying you was the best day of my life. You set me free of the past.

“But now I know I haven’t been good to you. I’m going to change. Really. I promise you can trust me from now on. I’m sorry I put everything in my name. I’ll give it all back. I don’t care about business anymore. I just want our relationship.

“Don’t give up on me. Please?”

Tom kissed her again. She had just addressed the biggest issues between them and he was happy with the results. More importantly, he saw there was a fundamental change in her attitude, and consequently a shift in the equilibrium of their relationship. The balance of power had changed.

He looked into her eyes and said, “I promised myself to you for life and I meant it. Now, I’m sure of your commitment to me too. Things will be better from here on.”

She clutched him tightly.

He continued, “I also want you to remain a part of the businesses. We’re partners after all. And your ideas have been profitable.”

She grinned and squeezed him again.

Tom then asked for a little time to get cleaned up. As he went upstairs to the bedroom she followed him just to stay near. She then gathered his dirty clothes and laid out fresh ones while he showered.

Once he was clean they went downstairs again and sat cuddled together as he told her about his visit to Hermit Island. He left out the parts of his suspicions about her. But he explained as best he could the trek around the island, his epiphany, his resolution of past emotions, and his new determination to find fulfillment. As he spoke he saw in her eyes a new respect.

For herself, Sally recognized that his attitude had changed as much as hers. He was more confident, more, what was the word, self-actualized. He was no longer just a fisherman or a skipper, he was something more. And she liked it — a lot!

“Tom, there’s something I’d like us to consider doing,” said Sally. “If you’re willing, that is. Maybe we can start recommending Alice’s Cafe’ to our groups after each tour. She’s done a lot for us; both of us. She helped you before, and now she’s straightened me out. I want to do something for her. And I know she’d like the extra business. What do you think? Can we start sending our groups there?”

“Of course we can.” Tom thought it was a great idea. He knew he owed Alice a lot. And he could kick himself for not thinking of this sooner. “That’s an excellent idea. And I have something to ask of you. I’d like us to stop taking tour groups to Hermit Island. We can still do tours of all the other islands. But I want to keep this one private. Just for us. Besides, I think the island doesn’t like having so many visitors. What do you say?”

“Anything you want, dear,” she answered. “Oh, Tom, this is so exciting. It’s like we’re starting all over again. We’ve each changed and yet we’re still together. It’s like a new relationship. It’s like the start of a new life!”

“Yes, it is,” said Tom. He thought about this for a moment. “Of course, there will be challenges, just as in anything else new. Decisions to make, problems to work out, and things to learn about each other. Do you think we’re better prepared to face these now?”

Sally locked her eyes onto his with a sultry gaze. Then with a flicker of smile at the corners of her mouth and a sparkle of challenge in her voice she said, “Well, you are an adventurer now, aren’t you?”

Tom’s mouth dropped open, but no words came out. Quickly recovering, a grin spread across his face which showed a purpose as he moved toward her. With a squeal of laughter Sally jumped from the couch and ran for the stairs. Pausing only long enough to call out, “Tally ho!” Tom ran after her.

= = =

THE END

.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED