42Kiama 2001
“Slow down, Jen, let me get my breath back,” James panted as he tried to catch up after plunging into the sea. It was a warm, still, November morning. The soft sand gave way even to James’s featherweight. He could gain no purchase with his clawing toes.
“Come on, old boy, I’ll wait for you,” she said. Jenny stood looking at James as he slowly drew level. “You’re really blowing today, just look at you. Old age suddenly caught up with you?”
“You know, some days the water literally takes your breath away.” He reached out, took the towel from Jenny and draped it over his shoulders. “The warm currents haven’t arrived yet. It’s still a bit nippy.” His breath slowly gained its equilibrium.
They continued their walk. James seemed distracted, serious. Jenny wondered if he was feeli
