They by Kay Dick

Author:Kay Dick
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McNally Editions
Published: 2022-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

THE FAIRING

Gusts of ground-mist spun rapidly towards and past me. High above the sun was a light lemon tone. A blue sky began to spread. My dog rolled on the damp grass. The morning held a fine promise. I had set out early. Not too early to attract any attention. I would follow the line of the cliffs until I came within sight of the lighthouse. The sea was a soft slow-motion expanse; waves seen from the cliff-top were minute curls of white foam. No boats in sight. To my left acres of downland topped here and there with small copses. I looked back. A haze of smoke rose from the hollow I had left behind. They were burning the stubble.

I stood still and looked down at the sea; the tide was on the turn. Gulls flew inland towards the cliffs, and, within inches of the chalk, swerved seawards again. The ground-mist evaporated. The sun gave out its heat. Down below on the shingle facing the sea were three men. One of them looked up. I drew back from the cliff edge. As I came to the bend in the range I saw the lighthouse in the distance. The landscape was softer; cliffs replaced by sloping shrubland and small trees. I followed the zigzagging path downwards through the tamarisks. At a turn in the track two middle-aged women came towards me. Carefully, I modulated my pace to one of quiet strolling. I did not wish to worry them; they had not noticed me coming towards them. I smiled at them as they drew nearer, and sensed their relief as I gave them a good-morning. At the bottom of the track I sat down to eat my bread and cheese.

‘Take your time coming,’ Tom had written. ‘At every stage of the route be the casual stroller out for a short walk.’

I covered quite a few miles, rounded the coastline, and came onto the beach. Ahead of me was the village. The tide was full out. I walked over the wet sand. A little way out the lighthouse was sited, a more or less obsolete landmark. No more than a look-out post. A man was fishing from the crumbling landing-stage. I took off my sweater and tied it loosely round my shoulders. As I padded over the sands I kept a watch inland. I went to the edge of the sea, took off my tennis shoes, rolled my slacks to the knee, and paddled. As I stood looking at the sea fanning out before me I felt a quickening of pure physical exhilaration. I had forgotten that the world was round. Geometrically precise, the sea’s curve on the horizon stressed a childhood wonder. Sea and sky offered a comfort. I rubbed sea water over my face and arms and swung round with sudden joy.

Running towards me were three swimmers. I held my breath as they rushed past me and flung themselves into the sea. For one moment I felt almost knocked over by their momentum.

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