Deeper Blue

VI

With every passing minute of the day, this one became warmer and warmer, but at the same time more suffocating. The summer breezes were becoming more frequent, unpleasant and heavy. One could feel the sticky suspension in the air, and the insects flying around the clearing literally went crazy, flying chaotically in all possible directions, getting caught up in Lynx's hair. The weather made it clear that a storm was approaching. Sitting on the terrace, Eddy with Michael and Johny, however, were unsure whether the bad weather would get around Deeper Blue sideways or whether rain would soon start falling from the sky.

The situation worried young tiger Johnny, who, along with his brother, should have been at their home long ago. Tymon, however, was still not here, and his younger brother seemed to have less and less desire to risk sailing out onto the lake at the last minute. Sailing in a storm was very dangerous, as Edgar did not need to be convinced.

- Well. - Johnny began, supporting his hands on his knees. - I think I'll tell my mother that Tymon has decided to lead a hermit life in the woods. Do you want me to say hello for her from you? - He added, turning directly to Edgar.

- Maybe wait a little longer. - Eddy suggested, eyeing the blue sky suspiciously. - I'm sure he'll be along soon. Philip didn't leave it that far from here.

- Tymon seems to be afraid of confrontation with his own family. - The old painter spoke up unexpectedly, holding a wooden pipe in his teeth. - If your mother asked Philip to speak to him about marriage, then frankly I'm not surprised that he ran away. - He commented, turning to Johny.

- All the more reason for me not to wait for him any longer. - Said the tiger in an agitated tone of voice.

- Maybe he decided to go home on foot? - Asked an impatient Edgar.

The young man wanted to finish cleaning the house, but did not want to do it in the presence of Michael and Johnny. Despite Maggie's assurances that everyone in Deeper Blue secretly works on Sundays, Eddy didn't want to take any chances. He had heard all too well how oscillating and mean-spirited Father Philip could be, so he wanted to keep today's housekeeping a secret, just in case.

- Very possible. - Michael agreed. - The conversation with the vicar was really sharp. He probably wanted to collect his thoughts.

- And if not, let him wander in the woods. - Added Johny, finally getting up from the terrace bench.

- Wait, you're not going to leave Tymon not knowing where he is now, are you? - Asked a clearly surprised Eddy.

- He could be anywhere. - He replied curving his lips. - Waiting here for him won't change anything.

This was unthinkable for him, given how his older brother Rupert cared for him. In his case, wandering alone in the dense forest would be out of the question. The fact that he was allowed to stay by himself in Deeper Blue was already a true miracle. Rupert, however, trusted Edgar not to do anything stupid. He bought him provisions, provided him with a commute and left some money for contingencies, so practically speaking, the lynx was in no danger at home. However, home was something completely different from the forest, and if Eddy had wanted to walk among the trees by himself, his brother probably would have organized a search team long ago.

When a stronger gust of wind blew over the lake and the leaves of the trees began to break away from the branches, Johny made a final decision. He shook hands with old Michael and smiled.

- Since Tymon won't be at dinner, why don't you sail with me? - He asked with a sincere smile on his tiger lips. - My mother has already mentioned that you haven't visited her for too long anyway.

- Actually, you don't have to convince me, I'm dying of hunger! - Laughed the old man, supporting himself on the shoulder of Johny, who is much younger than him. - Perhaps Eddy could sail with us? Agnes would surely also be happy to see her favorite.