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 he lantern of the
lighthouse gives a bright glow in the hazy sky. Thunder roars
like a howling monster, for a wicked storm has approached. Father
says that without our lighthouse, many ships would be lost in
the endless night. Yes, we call it "our lighthouse"
because Father, Sam, and I have lind here ever since Mother passed
away. Sam, my older brother is away at sea, sailing for England.
The last time I had seen him we had quarreled. Now I wish that
we hadn't because I miss him terribly. I would love to ba apart
of a crew and sail on a cargo ship, but Father says I'm too young.
Besides, Father always needs help with the lighthouse.
My alarm clock woke me very early
this morning, 5:30 AM. I had lots of chores to do and that means
I have to get up early to do them. After all my work is done,
I love to talk a peaceful walk aroung Acirema, our small town.
I often wonder about all my friends at school on the other side
of Acirema. I don't go to school. Instead, Father homeschools
me. But it's still not the same. Sam got to go to school and
he would often remind me of how important a real education is.
Also, I love strolling around
near the Acirema Camping Resort. It's the coolest campsite I've
ever been to! When Sam and I were younger, Father took us camping,
while Mother and Aunt Nancy worked at the Lucheonette. But now,
things are very different, and I don't expect Father to take
me camping after a long day of work.
Grandpa came today and we went
fishing at the dock. When we returned home, Father had a look
of shock, and was clutching an envelope. He turned swiftly to
me and said, "Go and get some wood for the fire." I
immediately obeyed and as I was coming back inside, I couldn't
help overhearing Father and Grandpa's conversation. "You
don't understand," Father said,"We haven't paid in
months. What am I going to do?" "Don't worry. Everything
will eventually work out." Grandpa soothed, trying to comfort
him. "I could get and extra job. Two probably wouldn't pay
it off," Father's voice was melancholy. "Ruth and I
can lend you the money until things are settled," suggested
Grandpa. "No Pa, I can't accept it. I will try my best to
do this on my own. If it doesn't work than we're going to loose
the lighthouse."
I decided I had heard enough
and pretended like I had just come back inside with the small
pile of firewood in my arms. "Ok here's the wood, Father,"
I said, trying to make my voice sound as casual as possible.
I pretended that there was nothing in which I should be aware.
Grandpa stayed for supper that evening and left just as Father
sent me to bed. Without arguing,(since it was still quite early)I
went up to my trundle bed because I really was tired, but I didn't
want to go to sleep. I wanted to think of ways to stop us from
loosing the lighthouse. Suddenly, I had an idea! I set my clock
for 5:00AM, pulled up the covers and fell fast asleep.
The next morning I quickly ate
breakfast and tried to hurry through my chores. I had to make
sure to do an excellent job, or else Father might get suspicious
about my plan. I had decided to raise money in all sorts of ways
around Acirema.
First, I played my trumpet entertaining
people at the beach. At first, I really didn't think this would
work, but after awhile, people were delighted and filled my tin
cup with tips. I eventually found that ther cup was overflowing
so I ended up stuffing money in my pockets. I decided to go do
some extra work for Uncle Charlie with the dock. When he asked
me what I was saving up for I told him it was something special.
I was telling the truth though, because once I had earned enough
money for the debt, it would save the lighthouse: which is very
important to me. So I helped Uncle Charlie with the dock, Aunt
Nancy with the Luncheonette, yard work at the Camping Resort,
Mrs. Stevenson with the aquarium, and I polished all of the boats
and artifacts on display at the Boat museum for Mr. Thompson.
I wasn't quite sure how much the debt would be. I estimated $500,
because it seemed like and awfully high debt to me.
So every day, for the rest of
the month, right up until the very day that the debt was to be
paid, I had the same daily routine. I went to bed each night
extremely exhausted. Well, Father came to me the morning that
debts were to be paid, and told me something that I had know
for the past five weeks. "I'm afraid we shall no longer
be living in this lighhouse any more because-" I quickly
intterupted him by saying, "But Father, I have earned $489.63
to pay the debt."
He looked at me for a moment
in astonishment and suddenly a smile lit his face and he embraced
me tightly. It appeared that with the money I had earned and
all of Father money, we were able to pay the debt with plenty
left over. I couldn't believe it, I had actually saved our lighthouse!
The next morning father's face was again very pale. What could
possibly be troubling him? I was almost frightened by him appearance
because his fair skin made him look ghostly. Softly he whispered,
breaking the pensive silence, " I have just received a letter
from the Ladeenia," he began. The Ladeenia was the name
of the ship Sam was on. "Sam was swept overboard in a trecherous
storm." He broke into tears.
My eyes burned hot, and quickly
filled with watery tears. My heart pounding like a toturing fist
and I had a horrible lump in my throat. I had never hugged my
brother good bye because I was mad at him. Now I shall never
get that chance again. I, Louis, have experienced many adventures
in Acirema. I have had some joyful and dismal memories that shall
live within me forever. And I know that whenever I am in a time
of distress, I shall never forget the bright glow of the lantern
that never stopped shing in old, special lighthouse.
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