SS2 -The Anniversary – Liz Robbertze ©

Word count: 1256

There it was again. The scratching, rustling sound in the darkness, just outside the window. And it definitely wasn’t a branch this time. Dan had cut that back last week.

It’s time to settle this, time for us to move on he thought to himself. At that precise moment, Hannah walked into the lounge “Dan what is it, what’s wrong?” she asked with a note of concern in her voice.

 Dan could never reveal the reason as to why he was so anxious. He knew precisely what the noise was about.

 On a bright and lazy Sunday two year’s previously Dan had awoken to a beautiful Sunday morning. One that was going to be the most perfect birthday, for a truly awesome mom. A specially planned day that any family would love to experience. Susan was still asleep and he could hear the children begin to stir in their rooms. He lazily dragged himself out of bed and went to check on the children, let the dog out and put the kettle on.

“Daddy Daddy please can we have ice cream for breakfast?” pleaded Madison.

“Ah yes please Daddy then mommy won’t have to make us breakfast on her special day” chorused Sam in the background.

“Please Daddy….please” they begged in unison.

Why not Dan thought to himself, as he got two bowls out of the cupboard and Madison retrieved the ice cream from the freezer.

Easier mess to clean Dan thought to himself as he spooned coffee into the mugs, today is going to be great. The children tucked into the ice cream as Dan climbed the stairs with a mug of coffee for Susan.

“Honey time to wake up. Come on sleepyhead today’s your day, let’s get it started” Dan said as he entered their bedroom. Susan stretching lazily, smiled lovingly up at Dan.

“Are the kids sorted?” asked Susan as she climbed out of bed.  

 The morning rolled on as a lazy log would cruise down the river. The children already dressed waited excitedly as Dan and Susan readied themselves. Once dressed the family set out in their Jeep as Captain chewed on his bone wondering where they were off to today.

 “I spy with my little eye something beginning with S!” Susan challenged the children as Dan drove on. “Street light?” shrieked Madison “No sand?” shouted Sam. Susan laughingly replied, “Nope none of those try again ….”

Before long they were at their destination, which Dan had been secretly planning for what seemed to him ages in the making. A boat ride to see the Whales in Hermanus. Susan smiled and gave Dan a hug, “My dream finally come true thank you darling, I am so delighted, how did you manage to get us on the boat? You said they were fully booked all season?”  

 As the boat bobbed along the water, the whales entertained the family in a way no one could have ever imagined. The adult whales breaching through the brilliant blue water, with fountains of water cascading down while blowing through their blowholes. Moms and tots oblivious to the world around them, just been together. Susan’s ultimate dream been fulfilled before hers’ and her beloved family’s eyes. Back on shore, the family enjoyed a scrumptious lunch at an idyllic fish and chips cafe chatting excitedly about their incredible adventure and watching the sea lap up the shore as excited families passed the restaurant discussing their own adventures. Susan sipped on her chilled glass of wine as she looked at the faces of Madison and Sam and quietly reflected on what a fortunate woman she was on this her 39th Birthday. The car was much quieter on the journey home as the children, tummies full, nodded off.

Susan and Dan sat in comfortable silence as Dan drove. Both deep in thought over the incredible whale experience. No sooner had they driven into their driveway when the children were awakened by Captain’s overzealous yapping. Delighted to have his family home again. As the summer day continued towards evening the family decided to have a late afternoon swim. Dan and Susan had a quick but refreshing dip in the cool pool water, whilst Madison shrieked with excitement as she did her imitation of the whales breaching and blowing.

“Watch mom, watch dad look how high I can blow my water” she called as she ducked under the water and blew through her snorkel.   Sam watching from the safety of the swimming pool steps, not as brave as his sister but truly in awe of her antics. Dan and Susan continued chatting as Madison entertained them. Soon she was tired out by her antics so joined Sam running in and out of the sprinkler. The pool now a distant memory.  Sam sprayed the hosepipe high into the sky “Look mom, look dad here is my whale blowing …..cool hey?”

“Honey how about hamburgers on the Weber, sound good for dinner?” asked Dan. Susan lazily stood to go get the patties and butter the rolls as Dan prepared the fire.

“Not tonight Honey, this is your day off” Dan steered Susan back to her Lounger and disappeared indoors. Susan’s last thought as she drifted off for a quick 40 winks was how stunning her birthday had been as the laughter of the children faded into her dreams.

“Susan! Susan for God’s sake wakes up!” Dan was standing above her hysterical. As reality slowly set in Susan looked about confusedly. What was the commotion about she wondered? As she tried to focus she heard in the far-off distance the sound of sirens that seemed to be coming closer and closer until they were driving into their driveway. Panic setting in she looked around and noticed the little lump covered with a blanket. “Oh no, please Lord Please No” – her scream engulfing the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood.

                                                            ***

Dan now realized the scratching noise would never go away. For the past two years, it had occurred at this exact time. The anniversary of Madison’s death. In fact the anniversary of the death of the McCauley family.

 It had all happened so fast that tragic afternoon. Madison had decided to venture back to the pool and while she played her whale game again. Sam had tired and gone to watch “Peppa Pig”. While Dan was in the kitchen cutting tomatoes, buttering rolls, chopping onions. Susan was lost in her dreams. Madison was alone, caught in the creepy crawly and fighting for her last breath. She slipped away into the darkness of death and no matter how hard the paramedics tried little Maddie was lost to the world. Susan never forgave herself and secretly never forgave Dan. They drifted apart. Sam following along in his own silent world. Susan filed for divorce. She and Sam moved inland. Far from the sea with not a pool in sight. Dan never had the heart to sell their home. Those happy but distant memories would be forever wouldn’t they, he often asked himself. 

However, as is with life, time does not heal all wounds but life goes on, thought Dan. It was time to sell the house. He never had the strength or courage to reveal to Hannah, his second wife, the true reason for the scratching noises. Only he knew that scratching was little Madison lost to the world. Confused as to what had happened. Scratching to come inside. To come home. After all it was her home, wasn’t it?