Owen McCuen

These people must have really been stupid.

A dinghy was tied up to the stern.

My opinion of the people went from stupid to imbecilic.

You're stuck in the water, so then get into the dinghy at least.

Easy climb from there on board.

I began to wonder if this boat ever had any freaking people on it and just broke loose somewhere.

I climbed back onto my boat and headed for my radio.

On my way, Grace's hand touched my arm like someone looking for assurance.

I patted her shoulder.

Tim wrapped his arm around her.

The radio made its usual staticky sound as I turned it on.

Calling Coast Guard, I spoke.

When I got the same noise, I more delicately adjusted the channel and asked again.

This time a voice came on, asked the usual questions, and I told them about the wanderlust.

I gave them the coordinates, but the man said it would be about an hour before they got there.

Could I wait around?

I agreed and signed off.

For a moment, we both looked at each other, unsure about what was going on.

Things happen on boats, some inconvenient, some tragic.

This situation, however, seemed odd.