Touching Shadows

Safety abandoned

The rest of the afternoon was spent on the lake.

The weather was warm, with only a slight breeze. Some of the kids went off with Jeremy and Tanya to learn how to fish. The plan was to catch enough to cook for dinner. We did have a backup plan in case they failed miserably however.

Another group were building rafts out of things they could find in the area. They had so far gathered fallen logs, sticks and some vines. We could hear them bickering about the best way to build it. I was not envious of Natasha and Jeff, having to oversee it all.

Somehow, I got paired with Cohen to lead the kayaking group. I was preparing to embarrass myself significantly.

"Ok guys, gather round."

The 12 kids moved in closer to hear him.

"Who out of you have never been canoeing or kayaking before?"

7 of the kids put their hand up. Cohen raised an eyebrow when he saw my hand had joined them.

Probably regretting not being paired with one of the other adults.

"Alright, it's not that difficult. I need you all to grab a life jacket, then come to me so I can make sure it fits right. Miss Jeans will give you a paddle when you've seen me."

I nodded. I could do that.

"Before we go out there, I need you to all be sensible. No dangerous behaviour will be tolerated."

"Keep your paddles to yourself. No jumping out of the kayaks, or trying to make others capsize. If myself or Miss Jeans ask you to do anything, you do it. And make sure you stay with someone else out there! You have whistles on your life jackets if something happens. Only use them in emergencies."

He looked every kid in the eye as he said this. Judging by their faces, they knew he meant business.

And then he grinned.

"Ok, get your gear and get out there!"

One by one, the kids got their equipment and kayaks, then headed out onto the lake.

I grabbed a life jacket and put it on over my bathers. I went to grab a paddle.

Cohen cleared his throat, and I looked around at him.

"Forgetting something, Miss Jeans?"

He beckoned me with his finger. I stepped towards him and he met me halfway.

"Safety first."

He tightened the straps of my life jacket, and stepped back to survey me. A wicked look fleetingly crossed his face.

"Ready to get wet?"

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COHEN

I watched the kids take off in their kayaks. There were a few who took a while to get the hang of it, but then they were away and catching up with the rest of the group. The lake had a big open area, so it was easy enough to supervise them all.

Audrey was in front of me, attempting to copy them with her paddle.

"Need some help?"

"Clearly. I look like an imbecile."

She held her paddle still and sighed at the clear sky above her

"You don't. You'll pick it up quickly. Just make sure you centre yourself and get your legs comfortable. Bend your knees..."

She followed my instructions.