Secrets of Tempest Island

Shadows of Loss

A pile of unopened envelopes lay scattered across Coby’s cluttered desk, their crisp edges contrasting against the chaos. He diligently worked through them, the sound of crinkling paper filling the air as he organised them into neat piles. Most of them were fan mail, their colourful envelopes left for Gracie to attend to.

He set aside the envelopes that looked like they were written by youngsters, imagining the innocence and excitement behind each stroke of the pen.

The soft babble of the baby resonated throughout the room, a symphony of new life. Newborn Struan lay peacefully in his pram before the antique sideboard, his curious eyes fixated on Josephine’s ethereal figure. She hunched over him, her voice melodic as she cooed and serenaded him with sweet lullabies, the sound hanging in the air like a delicate melody.

With furrowed brows, Coby tore open the neatly arranged envelopes, the blade of the paper knife gliding effortlessly through the paper. His concentrated gaze reflected his deep thoughts.

“What’s keeping you busy?” Gracie’s gentle voice broke the silence, her words flowing like a gentle summer breeze. Her presence made Coby’s heart flutter, his first experience of fatherhood in his middle ages.

Gracie seemed to emit a subtle glow, an indefinable radiance that captivated him. Her raven hair cascaded around her face, her eyes shimmering like precious emeralds. There was a newfound kindness in her gaze, a warmth that had blossomed since giving birth.

Baby Struan’s giggles and gurgles interrupted Coby’s infatuated trance, bringing him back to reality. The letters on the page regained their focus, dancing before his eyes.

“It’s a letter from a solicitor,” he said, his eyes scanning the words, “he is asking for…” The chime of his phone interrupted their conversation, its sound cutting through the air.

“McTavish,” he answered, lifting the phone to his ear. Gracie watched intently, curiosity etched across her brow.

“When?” Coby exclaimed, the urgency in his voice silencing the study.

“I am so sorry for your loss, Cameron,” Coby said, his voice heavy with grief. “I will be there as soon as I can.” He hung up, disbelief widening his eyes.

“What’s the matter?” Gracie asked, rising from her seat and placing a comforting hand on Coby’s shoulder.

“Caitlin passed away,” Coby said, his tone laced with sorrow. “I’d better get there as soon as I can.”

Gracie hurried to the polished mahogany sideboard, and poured him a neat, stiff whiskey. She cooed her baby boy, her voice soft and melodic, giving his tiny nose a gentle tap before placing the crystal glass in Coby’s waiting hand.

“Drink this,” she said, her voice soothing, “it will calm your frayed nerves.”

Coby gulped down the velvety liquid, feeling the warmth spread through his chest, smacking his lips in appreciation. “Thanks. Will you come with me?”

Gracie’s eyes flicked to her newborn son, uncertainty etching itself across her delicate features. Coby quickly intervened, his voice tinged with desperation, trying to sway her. “You will have more support there, than here,” he pleaded, “there are many diligent servants who—”

“Mum, dad!” Ewan interjected, bursting into the study, his freckled face flushed with excitement. The vibrant rays of sunlight streaming through the windows accentuated his fiery red hair. His hand held two limp pheasants, their feathers dull and lifeless. Josephine, her ethereal form shimmering, reacted instantly, her ghostly teeth bared, her eyes narrowed, hissing menacingly at the boy.

Ewan’s face turned pale, fear and panic colliding within him. He stormed out of the room, his primal scream reverberating through the hallway, his hurried footsteps fading into the distance.

Gracie smiled at Josephine, a glint of mischief in her eyes, before turning her attention back to Coby. Her stern gaze bore into him, causing him to shift uncomfortably in his seat. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice filled with resolve, “I will go with you, but it must be a swift stay.”

Coby’s face radiated with happiness, and as he clapped his hands together with excitement. “Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I’m confident it will be a brief one.”

Gracie’s eyes narrowed, skepticism clear in her expression. “I will handle the arrangements,” she declared, her voice firm and decisive. “Josephine, come.” With a snap of her delicate fingers, Josephine sprang into action, the wheels of the pram gliding silently behind Gracie as they moved away. The tinkling sound of the baby’s giggles gradually faded into the distance. Shortly after, Coby heard Elaine’s shrill scream of terror echoing through the hallway, followed by Gracie’s infectious laughter.

“But mum!” Ewan pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation, the sound echoing through the empty corridor. “I don’t want to stay with auntie Elaine. I want to come with you.”

“We spoke about this already Ewan,” Gracie reminded, her tone laced with her no-nonsense attitude, her words hanging in the air. “Don’t forget, school starts tomorrow.”

Ewan’s face turned all sulky, his brow furrowing, a sneer forming on his lips. “But I miss Cameron and I…”

“Ewan!” Gracie snapped, the sharpness of her voice cutting through the tension, making Ewan flinch. “Go help your dad.”

His shoulders slumped in resignation, the weight of disappointment dragging him down, Ewan trudged down the corridor, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly. Josephine’s apparition trailed behind him, her ethereal presence whispering comforting hisses, like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves.

“Go away!” Ewan snapped, his frustration boiling over, his voice sharp. “You’re not my friend anymore!”

Gracie smiled as she watched Josephine’s ample bosoms jiggling with mirth, the sound of her laughter filling the air. Gracie gathered the snacks from the kitchen counter and headed outside.

Elaine, Josephine, and Ewan bid Coby and Gracie farewell from the expansive veranda, the sight of their waving hands slowly fading away as they departed on their journey. The challenges of travelling with a newborn baby became clear as the occasional cry of the infant echoed through the car. But Coby did not mind, as he found joy in seeing Gracie’s smile and knowing she was happily occupied while he meticulously planned the perfect timing for their engagement.

The frequent disruptions were beginning to wear on him, causing frustration as they obstructed his carefully laid out plan to propose to Gracie. But he knew these were minor feats, and the time would come. And besides, Struan was a calm baby, who seldom cried.

Coby guessed it had something to do with Josephine’s apparition, constantly watching over baby Struan, entertaining him. His heart filled with appreciation as he looked at his baby in the rearview mirror, his tiny features illuminated by the soft glow. Coby’s gaze met Josephine’s spectral eyes, which shone like smouldering embers, her presence sending an electrifying sensation coursing through his veins. As they travelled, she mysteriously appeared, her ethereal presence becoming their baby’s guardian from a realm beyond their own.

In that moment, Coby looked forward to the journey ahead and exchanged a glance with Gracie beside him, a silent understanding passing between them, the anticipation of what lay ahead filling the car with a sense of adventure.