THE SENTINEL

PART TWO: THE SURPRISE 

By Tessa Harvey

    There was a sudden scratching at the door. Theo, remembering the weird man near the cliff, froze. His sister's hands, dripping soap bubbles, unaware yet of his recent trauma, turned to the door.

    But it was her mother's voice, shaking with cold, calling as she tried to knock. Her children both opened the door. The woman was shivering, trying to nudge two large boxes into the cosy room, her hands too cold to have mobility.

    Though she still felt unwell, Sylvia helped her mother inside. Both children dragged the large boxes inside, puzzled.

    "Can you get me a warm drink, Sylvia?" The mother was feeling the cold after her own assault some days ago.

    Slowly the girl made drinks for them and waited, still resentful. But the surprise had overwhelmed her.

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