Two

“This is a story from the island itself,” Laura said. “It’s hundreds of years old, no one knows exactly. But everything I tell you is just as it happened.”

*   *   *

It is an old story, one of love—forbidden love! And tragedy.

Once, there were two lovers. They were young, and each was beautiful in their own way. Their names were Merle and Erik. Merle was a delight; like some fresh and fast creature from the fields. She was slender, and her light brown hair streamed down her back.

When Erik first saw her, he was mending his fishing nets, at the quayside. She had just arrived back from the mainland, with her father, after a trip to the big city. As she stepped onto the quayside from the boat, their eyes found each other.

Neither smiled, but when Merle tipped her head on one side, still looking at Erik, he knew immediately that he had fallen in love. Merle’s father, who was ahead of her arranging some matters with his boatman, turned and saw the look that passed between them.

Erik glanced away, down at his fishing nets, and Merle hurried after her father.

“What were you doing?” Merle’s father said. He was the richest man for many miles around, and it would not do for his daughter to be seen even looking at a fisherman.

He was a wealthy merchant from the city, but he owned a house on the island, too. That day they brought new items from the city with which to decorate their island retreat.

“I meant nothing, Father,” said Merle, and her father grunted disapprovingly.

They went home, but as they went, Erik straightened from mending his nets and watched Merle go. He noticed how light she was, how she moved, and he knew that what he felt was real, and true.

And yet, he also knew that trouble would come, for a love like theirs, between two such people, would never be allowed.

*   *   *

Laura paused and looked at the children.

“There are parts of this story,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, “that are a little bit scary. And there are parts of this story, of which your parents might disapprove.”

She paused again. The children watched her, eyes shining. They had never conceived of such a thing before.

“If I tell you this story,” Laura said, “it might be best if we agreed that you will not tell your parents. Is that a good idea?”

Both children nodded furiously.

“Good,” said Laura. “Then I’ll continue.”