Dead Sea

Chapter 9

The island they lived on was known as Lunar Shores, mostly known for its curved crescent moon shape, with a beach amongst the curve that had sand as white as the moon. Aside from the beach, the island was made up of a lot of rocky cliffs, which made it hard for boats to come ashore. The marina lay at the southern tip of the crescent, the only safe port for larger boats to dock for long periods of time.

     By the look of the Marina, Eric thought it safe to assume that they were one of, if not the last, to return. Though people were seemingly everywhere, they still had enough decency to leave the designated spots for their respected owners. As they pulled into their spot, Eric couldn't help but notice that the empty spaces also included the spot for My Fair Maiden, never again to be filled by it's owner.

Eric felt terrible as he turned his attention to Austin, sitting on one of the ships benches, just staring off into oblivion. On the bright side, at least he had his mother to go home to, although Eric could never imagine having to be the one to break the news to his mother were he in Austin's place. Taking his attention away, he made eye contact with his father in passing. He could tell they were on the same page.

Without having to confirm a thing, Billy walked over and placed a hand on Austin's shoulder. "Why don't you stick with us for a while pal. We will take you home once we figure out what is going on, and I'll talk to your mom. That sound okay?"

After a moment of silence, the slightest of nods was all Billy needed for an answer. Ensuring all was intact, the trio began to make their way across the platforms toward the marina office, where the crowd seemed to be the heaviest.

"I want you to stick with Austin for a bit, back here away from the crowd. Looks pretty thick, there's no need for us to all rush in and add to the confusion."

"But..."

"No buts, Eric. I want you to actually listen to me this time, I mean it. Whatever I can find out, I'll be right back here and you will both be the first to know. Understood?"

"... yeah..."

"What was that, I couldn't hear you on account of the mumbling?"

"Yes, dad. You go, find out what you can. We will find out what we can here, grill as many locals as we can. Who knows, maybe we will find out everything and have to come tell you."

"That's fine with me, but don't be grilling them too hard. We have no idea the extent of what's going on. If people don't talk, don't go badgering them." With that, Billy made his way towards the office through the ever thickening crowd.