Elspeth was freezing when she woke up. She always pushed her deadline, but she feared that she had pushed it too far this time. Elspeth did not even dare to eat before running out of Macrae's home toward the water.
She should have been much more careful. She did not look around her as she dropped to the ground and dug her cloak out of the place she always hid it. Mother had taught her to switch where it went, but Elspeth ignored nearly every piece of advice Mother gave her. Mother had been so wrong about so many things, why should she be right about anything?
The water was warm, warmer than it had any right to be in early autumn. Elspeth knew her time was starting to run out. She did not want it to be. It had lasted much longer when she was younger, Elspeth thought. It was another cruel twist of the curse, perhaps.
Elspeth took her anger out on her quarry, hunting more than was perhaps necessary. Nevermind, she could bring some back for Macrae. Macrae loved fish. Her favorite were the spotted silver ones. Elspeth's language called them "Lax"; Macrae called them "Salmon". Elspeth preferred bread over everything.
YOU ARE READING
The Maid and The Selkie
Short StoryMacrae finds a strange child on the sand. Elspeth finds her preconceptions are not as true as fact. They find friends in each other, and want to keep that love forever. Cover made with www.canva.com
