The Lighthouse
Written By: Samuel J. Hoppe
“Help! A storm’s heading straight for me. I went out fishing and my engine died! My boat won't survive this storm! I need help!” I desperately yelled into my satellite radio, hoping someone would hear and come save me. All I got was static.
Dark eerie clouds swallowed up the sky forcing the sun to shy behind them drifting low and out of sight. Thick globs of rain pelted me, obscuring my vision making it nearly impossible to anticipate and steer into the waves which were causing my small boat to rock violently in the vast ocean. Lightning crackled across the sky followed by loud booms of thunder. Absolute chaos engulfed me within seconds. I was helpless. The ocean waves threw me from the captain's chair across the deck. My head slammed on the side of the hull, knocking me unconscious.
I awoke to a bright flash of light and an ear deafening boom! Did lightning hit my boat? How long have I been out? What happened? My head is throbbing. I wipe my forehead and check my hand. Blood. How far have I drifted? I grab the side of the boat and slowly pull myself to my feet. The storms let up a little but not much. I see my engine smoking with black burn marks covering it. Struck by lightning I presume. I scan the horizon for anything and nothing- Wait, what is that? A light! But then it vanished, then reappeared. A blinking light? No, it's a light house!
The large waves crashing into my boat were pushing me sideways horizontal with the lighthouse. But if I start paddling and work hard enough I should be able to land right on shore. But I was fishing and relied on my engine, I have no paddle. I scrounge around my boat looking for anything that could work as a paddle. Fishing pole? Useless. Fishing net? Absolutely not. Cooler? No. But wait, my coolers lid? I pull the lid off and rush to the edge of my boat. Frantically hoping and praying it'll work, I thrust the lid into the ocean and pull with all my might. My boat inches forward. I repeat again and again. It's slow but it's working. Inch by inch I fight my way to shore. My arms ache, my back screams, I curse out into the wind but only the fish hear. My only option is to keep pushing.
The screech of rocks scraping against metal snaps my head up. The light house! I made it! Bright flashes of lightning filled the sky, illuminating the lighthouse and showcasing its beauty amongst the chaos of the storm. The impeccable brick craftsmanship, shimmering silver railings, hypnotizing light cutting through all the chaos, and a bright red door that had just been pulled open. An umbrella emerged through the opening and a woman ran towards me.
“What are you doing out here!? Are you crazy! Hurry! Get up! Let’s get inside!” The woman shouted as she grabbed my arm and helped me out of the boat. She threw my arm over her shoulders and we rushed to the lighthouse.
Once inside she hurried to a closet and threw me a towel and said “Take this and dry off by the fire.” As she pointed to a roaring fireplace. “You must be starving! I’ll have some food ready soon.” She said as she hurried to the kitchen.
“Thank you.” My hoarse throat managed as I walked to the fireplace and took a seat on the floor. The fire warmed me up quick but not as quick as this woman's kindness. I was finally safe. The nightmare was finally over.
The End.
