Chapter 48

Fortunately, the boat rocked back and forth on the lake’s surface, and up and down, staying afloat. Through the rain and wind, I navigated my way to the island, rowing like a champion in the summer Olympics. Thunder rocked the sky, and lightning flashed on and off above me. The lake’s surface glowed a bright yellow hue, and the tempest’s roar echoed within my eardrums, keeping me alert.

I drew closer and closer to the island. Haven resembled something out of a fantasy world: high peeks covered in green trees with massive trunks; rocks along its sandy shoreline; a gap in the woods, which I presumed led to the artist’s cabin and barn-like studio. I imagined massive-winged dragons hanging over the island, breathing fire. Or alien spacecraft circling the artist and his abode. I thought of flying pirate ships, house-sized zeppelins, and giant mosquitoes hovering over Haven Island, inhabiting Finn’s property, invading.