The Drowning Girl

Such a pretty girl. Four years old; well-loved by her young mother, Grace. But theres something off about the child. Her deathly fear of water; her night terrors; most of all, her fixation with a photo of an Irish fishing village called Coldharbour. Sylvie, tell me about your picture. Whys it so special, sweetheart? My heart is racing, but I try to make my voice quite calm. Thats my seaside, Grace. Very matter-of-fact, as though this should be obvious. I lived there, Grace. Before. I sit very still for a long slow moment. Cold moves over my skin. I dont know about it, I say. Dont you, Grace? She seems surprised.

Categories: Young Adult (YA)