THE CLIFF OF HOPE

THE CLIFF OF HOPE   By Tessa Harvey     Izak thought he knew where his brother had gone - the cliff to investigate the crack behind the moving boulder.     Quickly he changed into old clothes, jeans and a jacket as it was a little cold. He took time to take a flask of water, some bread and cold cooked sausages and a coat for Chris.     A fine mist was damp enough to chill the boy as he crossed some open grassland, scattering a few errant sheep. He glanced behind him a few times to check he was not being followed by the older boys.     He wished he had parents who liked each other and their children but he knew many kids were unhappy at home.     Was his mother going to leave him and live with someone else? How would his father manage? Life was hard at times, but he did not want to be left alone. He thought that kids were put into care and sometimes separated.      Miserable and a little afraid, he approached the cliff...

THE CLIFF OF HOPE  By Tessa Harvey     The teacher turned to leave. "I must go," she laughed, "or yesterday will be standing on my heels!"     Izak remembered the time on the cliff. His brother had talked then, in desperation. He had said "Help, Zak!" not as a toddler would, using some incorrect words, but as an admonishment to his brother to help himself.     Izak decided to go with the younger students to visit the school farm, but also it would be a reprieve from the boys who had threatened to hurt Chris if he did not climb the cliff as a dare.     A young male teacher walked with him. "You know Izak, I think you are being bullied." He held up a hand in a placatory gesture. No, don't go." The friendly looking teacher continued. "Several staff members have seen actual bullying and are taking this to the principal."     Izak blurted "But i am not a snitch!" The adult smiled. "No names mentioned."     After ...

THE CLIFF OF HOPE   By Tessa Harvey     Pushing aside his bedclothes, Izak padded to the window and peered out round the curtains. The rain was coming down hard forming puddles on the tattered front lawn.     He dressed hastily, had a quick wash and decided on toast for breakfast. Their parents were still out to the world. Last night they had again argued bitterly. Izak knew they had been drinking and would hopefully sleep longer.     Roused by the enticing smell of toast, Chris soon joined his brother. He carried over the jam, honey and peanut butter from the pantry cupboard.     Three years ago, Chris had been singing softly, clacking a magnetic jigsaw puzzle into place. His dad had told him to shut up twice. His mum was saying it was his dad's fault they had lost their baby girl. It was in her tummy and nearly ready to be born, but dad had knocked her over. Now the man turned and roared at Chris "Shut up. I don't want to hear another sound...

THE CLIFF OF HOPE  By Tessa Harvey     Feeling slightly more secure, Izak risked a quick glance down to see his helper and almost fell. The small oval face, pale in the moonlight did not belong to the youngest boy from the trio who had forced him to climb the cliff. It wasn't even one of the older boys, unlikely though that seemed. It was his little brother.     Shocked, he began to slip, clawing desperately at the rocks as he slithered. It all felt like a terrible nightmare.     "Oh God!" he cried desperately. His groping feet found purchase on a large boulder. It seemed to hold his weight, then began to wobble dangerously. But much nearer the base of the soaring cliff, Izak had gained a measure of skill and of courage. Pausing, he suddenly leapt the last few metres, immediately rolling as he reached the grassy slope. Winded, the boy lay gasping as the stars wheeled overhead. He felt like spinning with joy.     At once he looked for his brot...

THE CLIFF OF HOPE  By Tessa Harvey     It was cold and clear. Th moor glowed in silver and shadows streamed from the high rocks and outcrops.     Izak tried in the light of the moon to struggle up the cliff. The rocks were crumbled and unstable, frosted and sun-warmed so often that promising deep fissures tumbled away as the boy tried to hold tight. And move upwards always.     "I can't go any farther up," he gasped, sweating in the cold air. The trio of older boys below sneered mockingly. "Gutless wonder," the leader called, softly. The second one murmured, "come on, it's flaming cold." But the youngest hesitated. "Shouldn't we help him down?" The answer was a hard thump on his shoulder. "Don't be daft. He is not far from the top or the bottom. Just a few minutes, that's all."     They turned away for home.     Izak was petrified, clinging like some frozen life-form. His fear of heights roared in and he was alone. ...