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They say there lives a monster on this island, but the only monster I ever saw was the sea. It took my lungs like it has every right, like I’m nothing but its vessel, made to carry salt water in my veins. The waves crest over my struggle and I sink, cold surrounding and whispering to me, winding around my body and taking possession, soothing my earthly panic, my frantic heart. It lulls me, the warm embrace of the water, crushing in its care, stealing all light and touch I have ever known.
They say there lives a monster on this island, but Harry pulled me from the waves. His hand was hot like a brand on my neck, sure where they forced the sea out of my body, where they pumped light and spluttering fight back into me. He looked at me with blazing eyes and claimed me, stole me from the sea.
Harry doesn’t lead a grand life, hidden away on his island and refusing visitors. I cannot stay, he tells me, but the next ship will be a while and he cannot abandon his post to bring me to shore. I cannot stay, but I may wait.
The light, he tells me, voice grave with importance, must never go out. There must always be a warden, a keeper, and he may have no other devotions.
No other loves, Harry tells me, his silhouette sharp against the light. Protector. Saviour.
They say there lives a monster on this island, but it’s the atrocious loneliness of that monster which makes it human.
I cannot stay, he reminds me, but he doesn’t refuse my kisses, doesn’t refuse my offerings. I am his, and with ardent affection I make him mine in turn, warm and protected.
It’s love, for a few months.
The ship comes too soon, months after my near-drowning but too soon into our love. I cannot stay, Harry reminds me, and he cannot leave. He can’t abandon the lighthouse; for he swore he would keep it.
Fine, I say, foolish and in love, then I shall swear the same. I shall keep the light, and know no other devotions.
Harry laughs as he kisses me, giddy and free. He waves his goodbyes as the ship takes him away. Harry grows faint on the horizon, and duty settles on my shoulders like a heavy coat.
They say there lives a monster on this island.