Between the Lighthouse and the Beach

Dave arranged for Annie to go to Maatsuyker Island to see Doug four days later. It all felt like a bad dream to Annie as she sat in a huge helicopter about to fly off to some god-forsaken island in the middle of the freezing southern ocean. Despite her headphones the noise of the helicopter was deafening as it took off from the small army training base on Tasmania’s south coast and headed to the remote Maatsuyker Island group on what was part of a training run. As they were leaving, the pilot informed her there were storm warnings for later that night, so they could only leave her there for four hours and pick her up on their later run in the mid-afternoon. Of course Annie agreed—anything to be reunited with Doug in whatever way. She was scared. Would he recognise her? Would she be able to act like she didn’t know him and let him know her first? These thoughts swam around in her mind as they traversed the ocean towards the island—towards Doug. The helicopter started circling around the island. Annie could see the majestic lighthouse standing proudly on the cliff edge and the lighthouse keeper’s cottages nearby. The ocean was pounding against the rocky cliffs, and the wind seemed to be howling. Annie questioned the intensity of the weather. “Are you sure this is OK?” she asked, sounding very unsure. The pilot replied, “This is mild, ma’am. Don’t worry—we’ll land safely and be back for you before it really does turn nasty”. I bloody hope so thought Annie, suddenly feeling very unsettled by the weather and the extreme remoteness of this island. Only the thought of Doug inspired any bravery. They brought the chopper down safely and steadily, and Annie alighted, thanking the pilots and waving them off as they rose into the sky and headed away, leaving her to battle the strong wind. She headed towards the cottage, her heart pounding. Doug was standing at the kitchen window, mentally questioning why the boys had landed and taken off almost immediately. They’d usually come up to see him. Then he saw her—walking with difficulty against the strong wind towards the cottage. *** She was wearing black jeans and black knee-high boots, and a deep crimson woollen coat covered her slender frame. A candy-pink beanie with a big pom-pom covered her head. He was intrigued by this pixie, and something tugged at his senses. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but it was the first real emotion he had felt for a long time. What was she doing here? Nobody had mentioned a visitor, and he was in no mood to receive one—however intriguing. He opened the door and stepped out as she got closer and gruffly said, “Who are you, and why are you here?”