Day 216. I place that hat upon my head. It is like
wearing an old friend and yet I am sure I have never worn a hat like this. In
fact I have never owned a hat and yet my name is on the label. I lift up the
trousers and as I do a wallet falls out. I pick it up nervously and open it. On
the left hand side is a clear plastic panel and tucked in there is a
photograph. The picture is of me, smiling broadly. In the my arms is a woman I
don’t recognise and two young children.
Day 217. Why am in a photograph with a woman and two children I
don't recognise. There is nothing else in the wallet besides small change a
library ticket with my name on but an address i don't recognise. I pick up the
trousers and search the pockets. There is folded money in the right side where
I keep mine but in the left there is a envelope with my name on the front and
the same address as the card.
Day 218. I stare at the envelope and realise that the top has
been slit open. Carefully I take out the letter inside and unfold it. I do not
recognise the writing but do see my name. I slowly read it trying to take it
all in. "Darling, I'm sorry but I cannot carry on like this. I know you
cannot help it but your life is making everything just too difficult for me and
for the children. We are going away. Don't try to find us, it is too late for
that. I will always love you and will make sure the children think well of you.
Yours, F
Day 219. I am staring at the letter and my name at the top when
I hear a voice from the sea. My eyes are instantly drawn to a man who seems
struggling in the water. Without thinking I throw off the hat, my coat, the
shoes I have just put on and my trousers. I find myself running towards the sea
and plunging into the water. The cold momentarily takes my breath away and
constricts my chest but within moments I am swimming towards the spot where the
man was.
Day 220. The waves are rough and I am not a good swimmer. The
desire to save is stronger than the rational mind. I could end up being the
problem and not the rescue I wanted to be. Finally I reach the area where I saw
the man. I tread water desperately looking around for him but he is nowhere to
be seen. Oh god, am I too late?
Day 221. I am treading water frantically looking for him when my
mind begins to piece things together. The clothes I found left on the beach
fitted me and had my name in them and now I am the only one in the water. What
the hell is going on? I can’t keep my head above the waves. As I begin to sink
down I hear a voice shouting.
Day 222. I am lying on the beach with a man thumping my chest.
Without warning I spew water and gasp for air. As my eyes begin to grow
accustomed to the scene around me I see a number of faces staring down at me.
As the echo of crashing water leaves my ears I hear someone reading the letter
that was in the trousers. ”Looks like his wife left and took the kids,” says a
voice.
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