The Lightkeepers

10

and further decayed, on the roofs and windshields. The tires looked flat. That wouldn ’ t be good

for the rims, but there was no point in filling them with air. It ’ s not like we had anywhere to go.

“ Nothing on the telescope. You guys have a clear path as far as I can see, ” Ellie chirped as

she brought her face away from the telescope.

It stood proudly on its tripod, its black tube shining. We ’ d it set up near the windows of the

beacon room. We could see for miles with it in the proper conditions. But it was cramped in the

light room, especially at night when you couldn ’ t see where you were going. Ellie had fought to

keep the light in, claiming its historical value. Henry added that we could use it as a signal to be

rescued. Though the hope of rescue soon faded, the bulb remained in its fixture.

“ Ready, Rae? ” Henry turned towards me, reaching out to touch my bare hand on the rail.

“ As I ’ ll ever be. ”