The Shipwreck of the Pelinaion

Chapter Two

Thomas O’Connor ran across the wooded countryside, tucking in his best Sunday shirt as he went. His wife and kids were already at church, but he was late because he’d stayed behind to refill the lighthouse’s petroleum vapor burner. They’d just installed it a few years earlier, and it still amazed him how much of an improvement it was from the old kerosene burners. No more wick trimming!

            All the same, he didn’t entirely trust this new technology. That’s why he’d stayed behind to make sure it was working properly, and that’s why Thomas was currently running toward the Chapel of Ease, so his wife wouldn’t be upset with him later. He had to set a good example for his young boy Jack, after all.

            Pausing to catch his breath, Thomas looked ahead to see how much farther he had to go. He’d already gone through the worst of the forested area in the shortcut between his lighthouse and the church. There was just another half mile left, but he could already hear the church bells tolling for the beginning of the service.

            Tom ran the rest of the way and slipped into his pew while everyone was standing for a hymn. Unfortunately, his wife Helen had noticed his absence and gave him a glare that he knew meant a scolding later. Thomas sheepishly grinned back at her, and she softened her gaze understandingly. His duties at the lighthouse came first. Tom was responsible for the safety of every boat near Bermuda, and it was a full-time job because the waters surrounding the island were treacherous with shallows and reefs everywhere.

            After they said their goodbyes to the other families at church, Thomas and his wife walked along the road back to their house. His children had gone to the beach with their friends, and would probably sleep over with them. A cool ocean breeze blew over Tom’s face. He looked out over the clear, blue waters and sighed happily. Taking Helen’s hand, he started running toward the beach.

The dirt soon turned to dune grass and sand shifting beneath their feet. Helen pointed toward a rocky projection on the small cliff face. The ledge wasn’t too far from the ground, less than twice as high as Thomas was tall, and there were plenty of footholds in the surrounding rock. Tom quickly clambered up to the flat top, helping Helen after him. They sat together, watching the receding ocean tide, listening to waves crashing against the shore, and remembering days spent on the beach during their courtship.

            This is life at its best, thought Thomas. Then he started coughing.