Doris Thomas - Dolphin in Need

photo: David Higgs (with kind permissionof Ell to use)

Wake up, you sleepyheads. Were there.

Their mothers voice interrupted the twins sleep with a jolt. Julian rubbed his eyes. Then he put on his glasses. Sophie stretched herself as far as this was possible in the back seat of the car. She yawned loudly and mumbled, About time, too!

The family had had a long drive. Because their parents couldnt get any time off work, Julian and Sophie were allowed to spend their holidays with Uncle Richard and his wife Ingrid. They left the main road and drove slowly along the bumpy drive leading to the house. Gravel was crunching underneath the wheels. Honk your horn, Daddy, to let them know were here! Julian begged. His father honked loudly. Were here! they all shouted and laughed.

When they had almost reached the house, a woman appeared in the door. She gave them a friendly wave and was all smiles. Full of curiosity the children put their heads through the gap between the front seats. They wanted to see who they were going to spend their holidays with. I hope that Aunt Ingrid is nice Sophie said while the blond woman was running towards the car. Her mother laughed. Of course shes nice, Ive spoken to her many times on the phone. Youll like her. She teaches a fourth grade so she knows all about children of your age. And Richard wouldnt have married her if she wasnt nice.

The parents greeted Ingrid with a hug. But Sophies and Julians attention was captured by something else. How could they have missed that they were on the coast? The ocean was right in front of them. How lovely! Sophie gushed. Her brother agreed. Its really cool!

Before the children even knew what was happening, their aunt had welcomed them with a warm hug. Well, you must be tired and hungry. Ill just show you where your room is and then well have coffee on the patio. I also have hot chocolate and cakes on offer. Im afraid Richard will be home very late from work.

The twins were thrilled. Their room had a large window with a sea view. The beds were chosen quickly. They had to share the large, heavy wardrobe. The walls were covered with pictures of marine animals, some of which Julian and Sophie did not know. Their new home immediately felt cosy and familiar, as if they had been there before. Even so, the room had an enchanting and foreign quality.

When they were all sitting on the patio and enjoying the cakes, Richard came home. There was more intense hugging and squeezing. Richards body was well-toned. Sophie was almost afraid he might crush her with his muscular arms. But her uncle was very careful. Then he put an arm around Julians shoulders. Men hug differently, dont they? Julian grinned a bit sheepishly.

When they had all had enough to eat, Ingrid showed the children the rest of the house. The kitchen, living room, storage room and a small bathroom were on the ground floor. A large bathroom and Ingrids and Richards bedroom were on the first floor. And this is Richards office, Ingrid explained. The twins gave the computer a knowing look.

Their aunt did not miss this. She shook her head. No, no games here. Then she winked at the children. But if you want access to the Internet The top floor consisted of one single big room. The massive crossbeam of the gable was right above them. Almost half the roof was made of glass and the room was flooded with light. Ingrids paintings hung on the gable end walls, and on the floor below more paintings leant against the walls. A half-finished sunset sat on an easel. There was a smell of oil paint. The children walked around the studio wide-eyed.

Your paintings are great, Aunt Ingrid! Julian remarked. Ingrid smiled and thanked him for the compliment. You may call us Ingrid and Richard if you like, it makes us feel less old. Sophie was kneeling in front of a painting. AuerrIngrid, this is a dolphin, isnt it? Her aunt nodded. And whats this? Julian asked. He pointed at a large painting with several whales. These are sperm whales. They are the largest toothed whales and real masters at diving. With a bit of luck you will be able to see them in the flesh soon.

The twins opened their eyes wide. Really?

After the house viewing the children really wanted to go down to the sea. A steep, grassy slope separated the house from the beach. The twins followed Richard closely down a beaten path to the water. When they arrived the twins discovered a small jetty with a boat.

Richard declared proudly:

May I introduce:

This is my Dragonfly!

The childrens eyes widened. Richard owned a boat!

The Dragonfly was a small motor boat without a cabin. But there was easily room for four people on the padded bench seats. The helmsman had to take a seat in the rear near the engine. Why did you call the boat Dragonfly? Sophie asked. Richard laughed. Because she goes as jerkily as the flight of a Dragonfly and often jumps across the waves.