Facing the Storm Together

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My name's Otis Gray. deear listening. to sleepy podcast where I read old books to help me get to sleep I hope you're having a lovely beginning to your summer so far I know I am Summer always makes me want to read Adventure books on the Sleepy podcast. stuff like Treasure Island and Um the amulet, you know stories where Usually where kids are going on cool adventures I don't know why summer really makes me want to read those. and tonight's bedtime story is one of those from an author that we've never read on the show before It's really fun And before we get to our summer bedtime reading I just want to profoundly thank all of our brand new patrons on patreon dot com which is a site we can pledge a couple of bucks for an ad free version of Sleepy So This week's incredible new Patrons Lacey Richards Janine Chfney Damn M all, Robbie Rachel Warren Jesse couldn't Lois Sfur And what And Joyce Reinhard. Thank you all so so much for being a part of making this show It really, really means a lot to me Thank you. and for anyone who doesn't know. Um The names that I just read are brand new supporters of Sleepy on Patreon, which is just a site that allows you to directly support People who make stuff that you like and use So if you like and you sleepy, maybe it's helped you get a better night's rest then you can be a part of making this show in exchange for cool perks Like I said there Two dollar tier gets you access to the ad free version of Sleepy five dollars gets you access to the poetry feed All kinds of episodes you've never heard before But even a dollar goes a long way. and Even a dollar I'll read her name on the opening credits. U. The next Sunday show, after you donone. So Again If you would like to be a part of making this show likeike so many other sleepy listeners You can do that by going to patreon. com slash sleepy radio Thank you And as always, the music you're hearing is by my good friend James Lpkowski Cover up for Sleepy is by Gracie Kanan nice reading was A real delight to read Um, reading by Arthur Ransom Wh I don't think I've ever read on the show before this is a This is a story about some kids O a little adventure on an island and the writing is really fantastic and Kind of feels like a dream you might have in the summertime U, it just has that kind of dreamlike quality to it I don't know how to explain it But it was a really, really fantastic one to read. so I really hope that you enjoy falling asleep to it. And u Happy Pride, everyone B big Prideay parade in New York today U, which I really can't wait to be a part of. I always always love Being here for that being a part of it And man, wherever you are Happy Bran Wout further ado Tonight This story by Arthur Ransom swallows and Amazons And now is the time for you to fluff up your pillow. justust I like it feelel yourself melt into your bed. Get real comfortable. Close your eyes And let me reit you Chapter one The beginning The rain had stopped. The sky still wore a gray face person who'd just woken up, and wasn't ready to be cheerful The boys stood at the edge of the lay. their boots sinking into the mud Tom was the oldest, with a face that showed more wear than his age suggested Yet a habit of looking at things. as if he were trying to understand them. even when they didn't make sense Do you think it's there He asked, glancing at the other two Where? said John He was younger, shorter and more nervous His eyes were wide Like he was expecting something to jump out at any moment Out there, Tom said pointing toward the distant shore where the trees are They had been on this trip for three days It wasn't a vacation. Not really It was more like a test A test of patience of resilience of whether they could handle being away from home for more than a week They had taken a boat A small one. and rode all the way from the village. The lake was wide and deep The wind had been against them more than once But now they were here place where the lake met the forest. and the air felt different Thicker as if it carried secrets Let's go, said Dick, the third boy who is taller than Tom. and had a quiet confidence that made the others listen He had always been the one to make decisions even when he didn't say much They moved forward the mud squalching under their boots The trees were dense here. theirir trunks thick and dark The leaves above formed a canopy that let in only the slivers of light It was quiet. too quiet The world had held its breath Tom stopped suddenly He pointed to the ground. There were marks in the dirt Fresh likeike someone had walked there recently Not just anyone someone carrying a heavy load They're here, Tom said John asked H a voice low The swallow sticks out. or maybe the Amazons Either way. They're not far They looked at each other The names have been whispered around the village for weeks A group of kids oldlder and tougher who were taken over the lake No one knew exactly where they were They were real And they were dangerous Tom took a deep breath We need to find them before they find us. They continued forward moving carefully They steps up. theirir eyes scanning the shadows The silence between them grew heavier L a weight they each carry it alone None of them spoke But all of them felt that Tension Danger. promise of something big and somewhere in the trees. Something mo Not a bird Dar something that wasn't meant to be seen Chapter two The sailing club The wind was sharp and cold as the swallow set out Their bow cutting through the water like a knife boys had tied the rope around the mast. and it flapped in the breeze flag of victory They were heading for the sailing club place they hadd heard about from other kids on the lake It was supposed to be a place. were real sailors trained just kids who knew how to tie knots Tommy and Roger Side in the stern holding the oars. client each lost in their own thoughts. the lake stretched out before them endndless and blue. with white caps dancing across the surface. The sun was low casting long shadows across the water I bet they've got real boats there said Roger. M to himself than anyone else I bet they do Tommy replied, not looking up They passed a group of children swimming in the shallows boys shouted and wed that the others didn't seem to notice The swallows kept going Their boats steady, then sure when they finally reach the club It was nothing like they had imagined It wasn't a grand building with signs and flags It was a little wooden shed. half hidden behind a cluster of willows. A few boats were mood nearby There' sails flapping in the wind A man stood near the shut. Wearing a dark coat. And He looked up as the swallows approached Hello there, he said His voice deep and calm Hello. Ay said Inmure. The man stepped closer. studying now you boys from the other side of the lake Not exactly, Tommy said. We're just passing through The man smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. You're welcome to come in We've got a place to sit They followed him into the show It was small and smelled of old wood, and saw A few chairs were scattered around and a table with a map on it man sat down motioning for them to do the same You bys looking for a place to sale? He asked We're just checking it out Roger Son The man nodd. I see There was a long silence Bys fidgeted Unsure of what to say The man looked at them then at the map You know He said slowly, This lake can be a tricky place. especially if you don't know your way around We know our way around. Tommy said trying to sound confident The man laugh. I hope so becausecause if you don't You might end up somewhere you don't want to be Roger Frown Where would that be The man didn't answer He just looked at them. as expression unreadable. Tommy shifted in his seat We're not looking for jumal. The man said because trouble finds you whether you want it or not The room felt colder now. The air thick was something neither boy could name They stood up thanking the man and walked back to their boat. as they pulled away Neither of them spoke The lake was still The water calm. But the wind had changed carried a different weight now somethingomething had shifted. And they both felt it. Th't neither could say what They didn't talk about it. as they made their way back. The silence between them was heavier than before but not uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that comes after a question is asked but not answer Chapter three. The island The sun was low And the four of them stood at the edge of the shore lookingoo out at the island It was smaller than they'd expected But it was there Greay rocks jutting out of the water A few trees swaying in the wind The boys have been talking about it for days But now it felt real Almost too real We're going to land there Did he said adjusting her goggles. It's the only place that look sae Not sure about that, said Susan Squinting at the rocks But we've come this far Might as well see what's on the other side push the boat forward the oars dipping into the water with steady strokes. The sea was calm the island looked like it had been abandoned for A long time No signs of people builduildings just a few jagged rocks dense thicket of trees on the far side as they grew closer The sound of birds filled the air. Swallows, of course But also something else. somethingomet deeper C cry a whisper of movement in the branches The boys stopped rowing and just listened. It's like it's waiting for us, said Roger. It's got its own people said Teddy Her voice low They pulled the boat up on the shore The sand cold under their feet The rocks were slick with sea foam They left the boat and walked a few steps inland the sand giving way to rougher ground. It's not much of a harbor S Susan No, bye It's got a good view, said James lookingoo across the water We could see the whole coast from here They move deeper into the trees The sky above them getting darker as the light faded. The air smelled like salt and moss The deeper they went The more the island seem to breathe around them Like it was alive and watching We should make a fire. said Tiddy Therefore're staying the night. Sure, said Roger But we need to find a spot that shelter They climbed up a slight rise The ground soft under their boots at the top They found a small clearing Just enough space for a fire some shelter They gathered sticks and twigs And soon A small flame flickered in the wind as they sat around the fire The sky turned dark The stars came out Scatter like salt over a plate The silence was thick but not heavy. It was the kind of quiet that made you feel small. likeike you were part of something much older We've made it S said Titty softly you. Yeah S Susan Well what now No one answer They just stared into the fire thinking about what the island would bring them the stories they read. the ones they'd written The ones they hadn't even started yet The island was a beginning place where things could change and in the darkness beyond the firelight Something moved Not a bird. Not a shadow somethinghing that didn't belong Fire, crackle boys exchanged a glance The island was watching And maybe, just maybe They had been waiting for them Chapter four The Amazons The sun climbed high over the lake. And the air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. children had just finished their breakfast. When Tittdy called out from the edge of the water Look at that boat It was a small motorbat painted in a dark green Giding along the far shore It looked like it had just come from the village It engine humming faintly in the still air Who's in it? asked Rvin Squinting through the morning light Can't tell to decide But it's not the swallow We should go see, said Susan, standing up Maybe it's a new group of people or maybe Someone from the village They packed up the tent in the boat careareful not to leave anything behind. The lake was beginning to shimmer. U the heat as they rode toward the other shore. The boat got closer. And they could make out two figures inside The man was tall and broad shoulder. wearing a green shirt And The woman. was shorter herer hair tied back And she was stering She looked up. as the swallow drew near. Good morning. She called out Good morning Susan replied The woman smiled My name is Nancy Blackam This is my brother, Peter The kids introducce themselves and their names Teddy had been the one to spot the bow And she was already leaning over the side trying to see if there were other people Do you have aboutat two? Peter. Yes, we do said Susan. We've been camping on the island. That's where we live Peter not We're just passing through We heard about the island thought we'd take a lot The woman Nancy looked around That's a nice spot client. I like that We do too said, Teddy But we're kind of used to being alone Peter looked over at the island It's a big place I think there's room for more than one group I suppose, said Susan But we don't like to have people around us all the time Nancy gave a small lauegh. I don't blame you I think I would have been a bit lonely too. They talked for a while. And the conversation felt easy even friendly. something about the way Nancy and Peter spoke felt different ' not They weren't exactly suspicious They weren't exactly welcoming either We came from the village, said Peter Our parents wanted us to take a break and explore the light We thought we'd try to find the island It's interesting Is not It is That's Susan You can see it from almost anywhere 'll be leaving soon said Nancy We don't want to ensure Cidi looked at them G the island She had this feeling like something was coming Bad But something new. Maybe we can meet again She said If you come back, that is. Peter smiled They said goodbye and the motorbow pulled away Vanishing into the morning mist The swallow rode back to the island And the children sat quietly for a while Thank you She seemed nice, said Teddy So' Susan but not exactly like the others I think they're hiding something said Robin leaning back against the bowhull. or maybe they're just different said Jon They sat there the leg calm and still around them The island was theres But now they had company in the distance It was only the beginning But something in the air felt different likeike the island was no longer just theirs. chapter five Bat race The sun was high and the lake was calm The swallows and the Amazons had met at the edge of the island where the water was shallow. and the reed sway. There was a small robo Ready for the race It was a simple wooden skip with a broken oar And a seat that creaked when you sat on it Are we really doing this? Yeah, Susan leaning on the side of the bow She had a half smile in her face But our eyes were wide with a mix of excitement and fear Just don't panic, said Dick standing on the dock You know how to row We'll be fine Tilly leaned over the side watchatching the water It's going to be fast. It's going to be a race, said Roger trying to sound confident We don't have to win We just have to show We can keep up We won't be last, said Nancy who had already climbed into the bow We're better than that Bat Rck as the others got in The swallows had their own bow smaller. and more agile The Amazons had a more powerful one But it was heavier The race wasn't just about speed It was about strategy Balance than knowing the lake Two boats pulled away from the dock at the same time The swallows were ahead the Amazons. followed closely The water was still And the only sounds were the splash of oars and the whisper of Reeds. B steady from the shore. I got ahead too fast Save some strength for the turn Easy for you to say, muttered Telly who was already starting to feel the streth They rounded the first ben The water got deeper. The swells were bigger The Amazons pushed forward their boat slicing through the waves swallow still near them but not quite keeping up. Give it a bit more, said Nancy Her voice steady don't hold back I'm trying, said Roger. His arms burn His legs felt like lead The race was taking its toll The two boats were close now But the Amazons had the yet They passed a group of trees their branches hanging low over the water The swallows were still behind they weren't far That's it. It's a Dick You're on your own now The Amazons reach the far end of the lake The race was almost over The last stretch What was the hardest The water was shallow again. and the oars had to be handled with care One wrong move. and the boat could hit a rock or tip over We're almost there, called Nancy just a little more The swallows were still behind. But they weren't giving up They rode with everything they had Their boat moved faster pushed by desperation Tetermination You've got this, said Susan Watching from the shore You've always had this. The Amazons reach the finish line first. They had one But it wasn't a big win The swallows have been clososeed all along. They pulled up to the dock breathless and exhausted. The Amazons help them out of the bow There was no real bitterness Just the natural result of a hard race You did Gay, said Nancy offering a hand to Roger You didn't go down easy He nodded wiping the sweat from his forehead We'll be back next time You always say that, said Tilly, laughing But I don't know if I'll be ready Next time, said Nancy. We'll have a better bow The swallows lau But they didn't argue. the Lake had tested them and they had answered Tred Proud as they walked back to the island The sun began to set. The sky turned golden and the water reflected the colors like a mirror The race was over but the memory of it would stay with them for a long time They had faced the lake and they had come through notot as winners, but as fighters that wasn itt now Chapter six The storm. The wind howled through the trees as the group huddled under the canvas of their tent The sky had turned a strange greenish gr and the air smelled like rain. They'd known the storm was coming they hadn't expected it to hit so fast What do you think the boots say? Joe asked Peering out the flap of the tent Her voice was steady. There was tension behind her I don't know said Dick, leaning forward. We tied her down good This isn't just rain This is the real thing The others are already moving Rolling up sleeping bags, securing ropes and checking the lanterns There was no panic quuiet determination They knew it had to be done. Let's get the mask down, said John Aready unzipping his bag blows. It'll snap the mest And that's not something we want to deal with They worked quickly moving in a coordinated way. person knowing their role Canvas flapped wildly in the wind The tent groaned like an old man in a storm Thunder rolled in the distance low and heavy Like a warning Are you sure about this Ask Nancy standing in the doorway ing the edge of the tent What if it's worse than we think It's going to be worse So Dck But we have to be ready. They stepped out into the wind. The rain already starting fall in sharp stinging bursts The lake was dark and choppy The waves crashing against the shore with a force that made the ground vibrate Bough Moored on the far side of the shore looked like a toy in the storm's grip Let's move said John gotot to get the mask down before it's too late They ran through the rain Their clothes soaked almost instantly The wind whipped their hair and their boots sank into the mud with every step The storm was more than just bad weather. It was a lie that it was angry when they reach the boat The mast was already swaying the rope creaking under the strain Dick and John took hold of it trying to sty it as they worked on the ropes The wind roared in their ears And the rain made it hard to see. Hold this, Dick out handing the road to Joe I'll get the other side Joe Nada gripping the rope tightly It was slick with rain and her finger slipped But she held on The wind pulled out her trying to tear her away She didn't let go Come on, she muttered more to herself than anyone else. just a little longer The mast finally came down with a loud crack And the boat groaned As it settle They stood there Less soaked and shivering Did she say? As Nancy coming up behind them She's sae, said John now They didn't speak for a moment. just standing in the storm Listening to the wind and the rain It was a long time before anyone moved. We should get back Finally If we don't We'll be stuck out here. when it's worse. turned and ran back through the rain. the storm following them. relentless and unyielding. The ten was still standing but the canvas was flapping wildly. and the rain was coming in through the gaps They drop their white clothes to the floor pull the flaps tight inside It was quiet the sound of the storm was still there Pressing against the canvas cononstant uneasy present Is this what it's like Joe asked sitting on her sleeping by to be out here in a storm like this It's now what you expect, said John But it's real. and it's not going to stop until it's done They sat in silence Listening to the rain thinking about what they just done and what they might have to do next The storm was still coming And they had no choice to face Thank you for listening to Sleepy goodood night