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 brother, Chris. Nothing, just darkness. Then the moon soared, free of clouds and the younger boy was almost down. Izak relaxed, relieved.
    Remembering they had to get home, Izak shakily stood and reached to bring his brother who was peering at the boulder the older boy had dislodged. Glancing around, he noticed a small hole slightly revealed next to the rock.
    "Home," he said, "we will come another day. It's late and cold."
    The boys hurried home. It was not far. The back door was unlocked. Slipping through into the warm kitchen, Izak made them both a hot milk drink and Chris cut some bread, spreading it thickly and unevenly with blackberry jam.
    They crept to their rooms, exhausted, and were soon asleep.
    Izak dreamed he was clinging to a near vertical rock face, trembling with fear as a storm raged around him. Lightning flickered searingly, bright like nothing on earth and thunder boomed, crashing overhead.
    Rain poured, slanting almost horizontal, driven by the fierce wind threatening to tear the boy from his fragile hold.
    He woke abruptly. He was in bed, but outside a storm was raging. Grey light seeped through the thin curtains.

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