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, noting with some surprise how dark it was becoming.
    Someone was following Izak. As he neared the cliff, that person watched the boy approach a boulder and seemed to be trying to push it aside. "No son of mine can be that stupid," he muttered, puzzled.
    Even in the dimming light of the approaching darkness, the man James saw the shadow of his eldest son disappear. He thought he heard a scream and hurried forward, fearful. He hadn't thought to bring a torch. I can't see, he thought. There must be rain coming. It should not be dark so early.
    A torch beam suddenly flashed in his eyes, blinding him. "Stop that," he growled. The torch clicked off. Silence. Then a distant rumble of thunder. Faint, far-off, but threatening. He thought for awhile, considering. Perhaps being nice would work.
    Reluctantly, he softened his voice. "This is James, Izak - dad, my son is in trouble. Please answer."
    Nothing. Then understanding dawned. An unusual event for James. "Chris, it is dad. Please answer," he repeated, then "I am sorry," he added. "In God's name, please talk to me." He stifled a sob. "I have missed you."

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