The Perfect Parents by J A Baker

Author:J A Baker [Baker, J A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-02-26T00:00:00+00:00

23

THE PARENTS

Her eyes were open but it was impossible to see anything; the river was dark and murky, her eyes coated with grit. The recent rains had dragged sludge and silt down from the Cumbrian hills and mountains, muddying the water. Still, at least her recent visits to the local baths had served her well, the swimming lessons strengthening her confidence and helping her to hold herself steady against the powerful, raging current.

He was nowhere to be seen, their struggle at an end, sapping her of energy. Every nerve ending sparked inside her, making her aware that he could rise up at any moment and drag her back under into the filthy, freezing depths. She couldn’t let that happen and at the same time, wouldn’t allow herself the luxury of thinking that it was over, that he was finally gone. It was too much to hope for, the fact that her plan had worked and she had outwitted him and was still here, breathing the precious air around her.

Time had lost all meaning. All she knew was that she had to get out of the icy waters and to a place of safety before hypothermia set in. She was treading water with her limbs turning numb. If she was caught by the current in her weakened state, it could pull her under. She hadn’t come this far to be foiled by her own stupidity and lack of clear planning.

She set off for the riverbank using small, smooth strokes in the hope that any passing fishermen or shift workers wouldn’t see her. That’s when she felt it – a tug on her foot, something pulling at her ankle. Her leg vibrated when she tried to free it; something – or someone – was yanking her downwards back into that cold, dirty water. She kicked back with all her might but the hand clasped around her ankle stayed put, its grip firm.

Fatigue expanded deep within her bones, filling every part of her body. She was trembling and shivering, but refused to give in. Not now. It was almost over. But not quite. If she gave in now, the fighting would all have been for nothing. So she let herself be dragged under, turned to face him and, using her icy fingers, reached for his eyes, pushing as hard as she could, as hard as the water would allow, its resistance slowing her down, deadening her thrust. It wasn’t much but it was enough, her fingers reaching his sockets and pressing against the white, jelly-like substance of his eyeballs. He let go of her, and she watched, both horrified and relieved, as he sank to the bottom, eyes open, mouth agape, a trail of thin bubbles emerging from his slack mouth.

And then it really was over. It had finally come to an end. He was gone. After everything they had been through, his vice-like grip on her and her life had been loosened and she was free. At long last, Lydia Hemsworth was finally free.

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