Words Composed of Sea and Sky by Erica George
Author:Erica George [George, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Running Press
Published: 2021-05-25T00:00:00+00:00
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Leta
1862
Mother planted black-eyed Susans all along the garden path that leads out to the main road. She said they were striking, with their yellow petals and deep, dark center. I pluck a few of them, hoping Elijah will think the same.
The flowers wilt in the summer heat, dipping over my clenched hand, a flimsy apology for what happened at the ball. A paltry reason not to run away to war.
Theyâre in a sorry state by the time the lighthouse comes into view.
When I was little and still in school, I was determined to be known as the smartest student. I knew that I was cleverer than even the oldest boy in my class, and I think Elijah knew, too. When I was thirteen, and geography was the subject I struggled with most, I found the answers to an upcoming test, and before I could even think through the consequences, I snatched them off the teacherâs desk and stuffed them into my bag.
On the day of the test, I lingered too long near the coats, trying to memorize the answers. Our teacher asked me what it was I was transfixed by, and I didnât know what to say. It was too late. She grabbed the answers from my hand and headed for the ruler on her desk.
But Elijah took a step forward. He told her he was the one who had stolen the answers and that I had warned him not to, but he didnât listen.
The teacher punished him with a thwack of the ruler across the palm of his hand and a failing grade on the geography test. When I later asked him why he would take the punishment for me, he replied, âBecause youâre more important than any grade Iâll get.â
My lips tremble even now at the memory.
The path to the lighthouse curves around and up the hill, and when I reach the top, I breathe in the sight: the Atlantic Ocean for as far as the eye can see. Nothing is on the horizon except a sloop, probably on its way to Boston, and endless possibilities.
âCome to see me off?â Elijah calls to me. He stands at the door to the lighthouse keeperâs residence, shoving a few more shirts into his rucksack. Cinching the bag tightly, he throws it in a pile near the steps.
âI thought you were leaving tomorrow?â I say.
âPlans changed.â
âYou didnât tell me.â
He pauses, regarding me with curiosity. âI never see you.â
My mouth is frozen.
âIt doesnât matter,â he says, his back to me as he lifts his bag. âWhatâs one day, after all?â
âIt matters to me,â I say, circling so that Iâm standing in front of him. âI thought weâd have more time together before you left so that we could talk things over. What about a proper goodbye?â
âLeta,â he says, shaking his head. His sandy hair falls into his eyes. âIâm sorry.â
âYou donât have to go!â I say, tears suddenly choking me. I want to hold on to him, to anchor him to the ground.
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