Harvest, Quietus #1 Read Online Free

totally unaware of. Perhaps something
hidden, but in plain sight?
    Now I'm getting far too philosophical,
my scientific head leaving me for a moment. But I suppose it needs
to now and then, science needs a rest. I sigh contentedly to myself
as I kick my way slowly upwards; rising, stopping and starting; as
the air mixture I'm breathing is returned to normal levels en
route.
    I see the light above begin to form,
the light of the sun on the pond surface. It's a dull glow in the
distance. I'm looking forward to getting back to the warmth now.
I've had enough of the cold, my fingers are almost numb and I
shiver involuntarily in response to my thoughts.
    As I approach the surface an unusual
pink glow tints the water around me.
    How odd, I hadn't realized
it was that late. Surely the sun can't be setting yet?
    I'd have guessed it was about three
o'clock or so.
    As I breach the water and take off my
mask in relief, inhaling a long breath of air, I immediately notice
the heat. It hits the exposed skin of my face. Florida is always
hot in the summer but this is a lot hotter than usual and notably
hotter than when I left the pond and descended to the
cave.
    I stare upwards, to the sky, and I'm
intrigued. I've never seen anything like it. Deep red on the
horizon, streaked with vivid purple and edged with a yellow blur.
But even more amazing is the fact that it's purest azure blue where
the sun hangs above me, in it's expected three o'clock position.
It's like the sky is split in half somehow. And both are at a
different time of the day.
    “That is the goddamn weirdest thing
ever,” I say to myself slowly. I'm not sure what to think about
it.
    And what is it with
the roasting heat?
    I need to get in the cool of my car. I
turn round and notice the other two are still there sitting inside
their Land Rover, ready to depart. The pool is actually steaming
around me as I wade to the side and take off my fins, unstrapping
the tanks, and dumping them on the beach.
    Their car rolls past me and he lowers
the window, raises his hand through the gap, in a goodbye gesture,
and sets off down the track. I raise mine in return, albeit
briefly. I can be pleasant now he's going.
    Quickly, I gather up my
gear and take it back to the Chevvy, wiping the remaining drips dry
with my towel and stowing it all away safely in the trunk. Then I
strip off my wet suit and swimsuit. I'm dry almost instantly in the
blistering heat surrounding me. I dress in denim shorts, a black
t-shirt and my old, worn to death Birkenstocks. The heat is so
wearisome and I quickly get inside the car, starting the engine and
turning on the cooling system full blast. As the cool, fresh air
begins to circulate the interior, I breathe a long sigh of relief
as I start to feel comfortable and back to normal again. Leaning
across to the back seat, I pluck my cell phone from my purse and
have a quick flick through. No messages or missed calls, not that I
expected any. But on second thoughts, actually I did. I was
expecting Lucy to let me know how the wedding went. But perhaps
she's hungover. That wouldn't surprise me. She likes a drink or
ten, does Lucy.
    I think of calling Mom, my
usual daily afternoon call, but then think better of it. I'll leave
that until I'm back home. I can relax more there.
    I'm so worried about her.
Ever since David died, she's been constantly hovering on the edge.
Dad tries his best, but he's the 'pull-yourself-together' type. He
gets frustrated with her. They've both grieved in their own way, as
have I, but she's gone beyond that. She used to do things, have
interests, and a full life. It's like she's given up, on
everything. I guess I'll drive home tomorrow morning. I spend most
of my weekends at home since Joe and I parted. I like the company and I know it
cheers Mom up and gives Dad the extra support he needs. And Lucy
can have the place to herself and Andy. She feels uncomfortable
bringing Andy home to stay when I'm there, although I don't care in
the slightest