“That’s my cue to help,” Keith said with a wink at Nyree.
“I’m already packed,” Nyree said.“I’m going to stay out here and enjoy the view.”
The older couple wandered off, and Nyree caught snatches of their conversation before they walked inside.Carolyn hoped that Nyree settled fast and didn’t mind the isolation, unlike their last summer helper.If only they knew.This adventure was the opportunity to reset her life and make plans.It gave her the ability to sneak away and fly over the mountains—freedom of a type she’d never experience in Papakura, the suburb where she’d lived with Ari.
Life in the city meant few opportunities to fly.Yes, this was bliss since she didn’t need to keep glancing over her shoulder for Ari’s looming presence or ever-ready fists.
Two hours later and on land again, Nyree picked a room for herself.It was inside a prefab building and wasn’t much in the beauty stakes.There were three small bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a lounge and kitchen area.A dingy gray carpet square covered the lounge space, and the other rooms had bare wood flooring.The furnishings were sparse and well-worn, with a mud-brown couch that sagged in the middle and two mismatched chairs that might’ve been comfortable when they were new.Now, they bore permanent butt imprints.She didn’t care.Once she arranged her possessions, it would seem more like home.
Unpacking was a breeze, and once she’d finished, she went in search of Carolyn and Keith.She found them standing in a room full of boxes.
“Can I help with anything?”she asked.
“We have to empty every box,” Keith said.“Luckily, there is no one here to tell us we must do it today.”
“Set me to work,” Nyree said.“I’m not afraid of a little physical labor.”
“Our first job is to check and dust every museum exhibit,” Carolyn said.“And make sure the public areas are tourist-ready.Don’t worry.We have plenty of chores to keep ourselves busy.But first, why don’t we take you to see Shackleton’s grave and meet the locals?”
“Yes!I’d love that.Let me get my camera.”
“You have months to take photos,” Keith said.“Just wander today and enjoy the wildlife’s antics.”
Nyree followed Keith and Carolyn past the dilapidated whaling equipment she’d read about when she’d devoured everything written about South Georgia.Huge rust-colored vats of various sizes towered overhead.A rusty old wreck crouched, partly submerged in the water, not far from a ramshackle jetty to her right.Old anchor chains stretched toward the shoreline, holding it fixed in place.Ancient brick foundations barricaded other mystery machinery within fallen and toppling walls.Nyree gazed in wonder and acute interest, taking in the bright, white museum with its red roof and green door and window surrounds.
Seals dotted the grassy area between the machinery and shoreline.Nyree inhaled, the seal and penguin smell unique and stinky—something she’d become used to given time.A seal regarded her with round black eyes from beneath a metal pipe, and a group of king penguins scooted away, charming in their black-and-white tuxedos with the bright yellow accents at their throats.
“We keep our distance as much as possible,” Keith said.“We watch but never pet them since we want the animals to maintain their wildness.The seals are curious, but they can become aggressive when they have their pups.Don’t worry.That’s part of your training.”
Nyree grinned, not trying to hide her excitement, and picked her way past the penguins and seals, following in Keith’s and Carolyn’s wake.They paused often to watch the birds standing in groups on the rocky shore and the nursery of seal pups swimming and playing in a shallow stream.Nyree smiled so wide her mouth hurt.She’d never tire of watching the wildlife.
It took ten minutes to navigate the grass area, skirt the seals and tufts of tussock-like grasses, and jump the stream running to the sea before they paused at the edge of the cemetery.A white-painted fence surrounded the entire plot, presumably to keep out the wildlife.
“Shackleton’s grave is at the top.You’ll find Frank Wild’s grave there too.His stone readsShackleton’s right-hand man.The other graves belong to sailors, sealers, army men, and early explorers,” Keith said.
“I mentioned I’m reading about Shackleton’s voyages.I also have a book about the South Georgia and South Sandwich Island group.”
“Well, in that case, I won’t bore you with what I’ve learned,” Keith said.“Ask questions when you’re ready.I’ve absorbed a lot during the years we’ve been coming here, but I’d hate to see your eyes glaze over.”
“Thanks,” Nyree said.“I’ll definitely ask questions.I want to learn more about the islands.”
“We’ll leave you here to wander around the headstones.Carolyn and I are checking the church next.I’ll leave it unlocked, so explore there too.Just remember to watch where you’re walking, keep your wits about you, and you’ll be fine.”
“Thank you, Keith,” Nyree said.“I won’t be long.”
Carolyn waved her away.“Take your time.We’ll start work tomorrow.If you want to stretch your legs, head toward the church and take the path winding up the hill.If you keep going, you’ll get views over Grytviken and the next bay.Don’t go too far.”Carolyn glanced at Keith.
“Why don’t you make sure you’re back by three at the latest?I don’t mean to give you a curfew, but I’d hate you to get lost or injured or have trouble on the first day,” Keith added.
“If you’re sure,” Nyree said.“The curfew or telling you where I’m going isn’t a problem.I don’t mind in the slightest.I have an excellent sense of direction, though.”
“Good to hear.Our last helper was hopeless and gave me headaches,” Keith muttered.
“This is a test?”Nyree asked.
“No,” Carolyn said.
“Yes,” Keith said at the same time.
