On the Edge of This Summer Working in a quiet village library, Dana always considered her life hopelessly dull—after all, when most people could find answers with a quick online search, visitors were few and far between. She would dust off paperbacks and rearrange shelves, the only upside being that she’d devoured a staggering number of books: romances, adventures, philosophy… Yet by the age of thirty, she was painfully aware that the great love stories she read passed her by in real life. A sensible age to settle down, a plain face, a modest wage—none of these had ever urged her to change jobs. Her customers were mostly the odd student, a rare schoolchild, or an elderly patron. Recently, an unexpected twist: she’d entered a county-wide professional contest and, to her astonishment, won—a fully paid two-week seaside holiday. “Brilliant! I’m definitely going—there’s no way I could afford such a getaway on my salary!” she beamed to her best mate and her mum. As summer waned, Dana wandered a windswept beach while most tourists lurked in beach cafés, keeping dry from the wild surf. It was her third day, and she craved a peaceful stroll and a little daydreaming. Suddenly, a young man was swept off the pier by a rogue wave. Instinctively, not thinking of herself, Dana dashed to the rescue—luckily, he was close enough to save, and childhood swimming lessons paid off. By the time she dragged him ashore, her once-pretty dress clinging to her damp skin, Dana realized he was just a tall, awkward boy, perhaps fourteen at most. He murmured thanks and staggered away, leaving her bemused. The next morning, Dana awoke to glorious sunshine and the sparkling promise of a gentler sea. After breakfast she headed to the beach, basked in the warmth, and by evening wandered into a nearby funfair. She tried her luck at the shooting range—her first shot missed, but the second was spot on. “See, son, that’s how you shoot!” came a friendly voice behind her. To her surprise, it was the same boy from the pier—accompanied by a tall, affable man, who introduced himself as Anton. They spent the evening together—ice creams, a ride on the Ferris wheel—and Dana felt oddly at home. Funnily enough, both father and son lived in the same town as she did; they laughed at the coincidence. The beach days grew magical as the trio became inseparable. Anton’s easy wit, the boy’s newfound confidence, and Dana’s quiet warmth began to feel like something more than friendship. Home was just a train ride away, but matters of the heart cared little for geography. As her holiday drew to a close, Dana and her new friends had to say their goodbyes. Anton promised to meet her at the airport, his messages now filled with the tender hope of something lasting. By summer’s end, Dana had moved in with Anton and his son. Their simple happiness felt as unexpected and wonderful as winning that holiday—and for young Jen, nothing could be better than seeing his dad, himself, and Dana become a family at the edge of summer.

On the Edge of This Summer

Working at the local library in Brighton, Id often found myself believing my life was rather dull. These days, hardly anyone came in; everyone seemed to prefer searching online. My time was spent rearranging books and dusting the shelves. If there was a silver lining, it was that Id devoured countless storiesromances, philosophical treatises, you name it. Yet by the time I turned thirty, it hit me that romance had completely passed me by.

At my age, it seemed high time to start a family. My looks were unremarkable, my job paid barely enough, yet Id never truly considered leaving; somehow, the library had always suited me. The regulars were mostly university students, a stray schoolboy here and there, and the occasional pensioner.

Not long ago, though, there was a county-wide professional contest for librarians, and against all expectations, I won the grand prizea fully paid fortnight at the seaside.

How wonderful! I absolutely have to go, I told my mum and closest friend. On my salary, Id never get a holiday like this. Its like happiness just landed in my lap!

It was the end of summer. I was strolling along the nearly deserted beach in Eastbourne; most holidaymakers were tucked away inside cafes because the sea was particularly choppy that day. It was my third day by the sea, and I just wanted to wander alone by the water, thinking and dreaming.

Suddenly, I saw a boy swept off the pier by a wave. Without thinking, I dashed toward him. Thankfully, we werent far from the shore. Id never been a strong swimmer, but Id learned enough as a child to keep afloat.

The current seemed to both help me and hinder me as I grabbed him by the collar and tried hauling him to safetyeach time I gained ground, a wave tried pulling us back. But finally, legs trembling, I had solid sand beneath my feet and managed to get us both out.

Standing there in my favourite dress, now completely stuck to my skin, I looked at the boy in surprise.

Hes hardly more than fourteen, reallyjust tall for his age, and already an inch or two taller than me, I thought, before asking, Why on earth would you go swimming in weather like this?

Barely thanking me, the boy stumbled away, looking dazed. I shrugged and watched after him. The next morning, waking in my hotel room, I smiled. The weather was glorious, the sun bright, the sea sparkling a serene blue. It seemed as if the sea itself was apologising for yesterdays roughness.

After breakfast, I headed for the beach again, basking in the sun. Toward evening, I fancied a stroll and ventured to the piers amusement park. I spotted a shooting gallery and went inback in school and at university, Id been quite a shot. The first try that day was a miss, but my second bullet hit the bullseye.

Oy, son, look how its done, came an amused mans voice from behind.

Turning, I was surprised to see yesterdays rescuee. The boy looked nervous. Hed clearly recognised me, and I quickly realised his father had no idea what had happened.

Perhaps you could give a demonstration, said the tall, friendly man beside himwho introduced himself as Richard. My son Harrys hopeless with a gun, truth be told. As am I. He grinned in a winning, easy way.

The three of us wandered together afterward; we indulged in enormous ice creams at a seafront café and took the Ferris wheel as dusk coloured the sky. At first, I expected Harrys mum would appear any minute, but neither acted as if they were waiting for anyone.

Richard turned out to be a wonderful conversationalistknowledgeable, kind, warm. With every moment, I liked him more.

So, Anna, how long have you been here? he asked.

Only been here a weekstill have another before heading home, I replied.

And wheres home for you?

Turned out, by sheer coincidence, that Harry and Richard lived in the same city as meBrighton! We all laughed at that.

Funny, isnt it? Never ran into you back home, but here we are at the seaside! Richard said with a broad smile. He seemed rather taken with me, which I found flattering and oddly comforting.

Harry eventually relaxed, joining the conversation. He mustve realised I wasnt about to snitch about yesterdays ordeal. We said our goodbyes late in the evening, with Richard and Harry walking me back to my hotel. We agreed to meet again on the beach the next morning.

I arrived first, and they were late by nearly an hour.

Morning! Richard called as they finally arrived. So sorry, Annahonestly, we slept right through the alarm. Barely made it down in time for breakfast!

Dad, Im going for a swim, Harry announced, making straight for the sea.

But I cried outWait! I thought you couldnt swim!

Richard looked at me, surprised. Hes an excellent swimmer, actually! School champion and everything.

Mystified, I fell silent. Had I misjudged yesterday? Maybe the waves had just caught him off guard.

It turned out Harry and Richard were staying in the next hotel over. The next days were perfect. Each morning we met on the sand, spent afternoons on outings, parted at night only when the stars were out. I often wanted to draw Harry asidehe seemed troubled somehow. Or maybe I was imagining it.

One morning, Harry arrived alone.

Hello, Anna. Dads caught a bit of a coldtemperature and all. I told him Id be safe with you around, if thats all right. He grinned shyly. I just didnt want to be cooped up in the room all day.

Harry, give me your dads number so I can check on him. He rattled it off, and I rang Richard.

Morning, Anna, Richard answered, sniffling. Sorry to trouble you, but could you keep an eye on my boy? Hes promised to be on his best behaviour. Ill be fine, just need a good rest.

Dont worry, I promised. Hes nearly grown, clever lad. Ill check in on you later.

After swimming, Harry flopped down next to me and suddenly said, You know, Anna, youre a real mate.

I looked at him, surprised. What makes you say that?

Thanks for not telling my dad about the pier thing. The wave just came out of nowhere and honestlyI panicked a bit.

Its all right, I smiled. After a pause I asked, Wheres your mum, by the way? Why are you two on holiday without her?

He hesitated, then, with a determined shake of his head, told me everything, as if hed decided he was old enough to explain.

Richards job took him away on business. While he was gone, Harry stayed with his mum, Laura. From the outside, they looked like a happy familybut Laura had been seeing someone else behind Richards back.

One day, Richard announced: Im off to London for a three-week training course. If I do well, theyll promote mefinally, a decent salary!

To his surprise, Laura seemed pleased at the news. As soon as he left, Laura told Harry:

Weve got guests tonightmy colleague Tom and his daughter Amy. Tom and I need to work on some architectural drawings; youll keep Amy company, all right? Shes a bit older than you.

Amy turned out to be quick-witted, full of confidence. After a short while, she nudged Harry: Lets sneak off to the park. It has to be more fun than sitting here!

Laura pressed a twenty-pound note into Harrys hand. Have fun, and dont forget to treat Amy to some ice cream. You are the gentleman, after all. Harry was a bit shocked. Normally, nipping down the road for a snack would earn him only a couple of quid.

After three hours, they returned. He found Amy interesting; she was mature, and even though he was tall for fourteen and taller than her, she seemed to know a lot more. Thats how the weeks passed.

The night before Richard came home, Amy said, Well, little man, good thing your dads back soon. Im sick of keeping you busystruck a deal with my dad, see, to distract you while our parents had their fun. My lot have been divorced for ages, still fighting over the flat. Her laugh was sharp, unfriendly.

Harry didnt care for Amys talk or the things she said about his mum or her own dad. But uncomfortable facts had started to fall into place. When Richard returned, Harry was restless.

Should I keep quiet? Tell Mum everything? Or Dad?

Eventually, he saw his mother treating his father with open disdain. Their family was collapsing, and Richard seemed withdrawn, too. Then Harry overheard a blazing row:

Yes, Im having an affair. What will you do about it? Laura shouted, as Harry walked in late from his rugby training.

Nothing, except file for divorce. Harry is staying with meits clear you arent interested, Richard replied quietly.

Fine by me. Ill have a new family with Tom. Lauras words slapped the air.

Harry slipped quickly into his room and eavesdropped. He heard everythingLaura had been seeing Tom for months; tomorrow, shed be gone.

It was Saturday. He stayed in bed as long as possible, knowing his mum was packing. His dad sat glued to his laptop, face pale. By midday, the front door slammed behind his mum.

Richard tried to speak, but Harry stopped him.

Dad, dont botherhonestly, Ive known for ages. I love you. Well be all right together.

Richard ruffled his hair: Youre a grown-up now, arent you? he teased gently. See your mum if you want. She left me, not you.

But Harry said he wasnt readynot yet.

That afternoon, Harry and I took fruit to Richard. He was looking much brighter and promised hed make it to the beach tomorrow.

Three days later, Richard and Harry were heading home, while I had two days left. Summer was ending. As I saw them off, Richard hugged me and promised to meet me at Gatwick when my flight landed. Harry beamed at us both.

I made no plans, just smiled dreamily as I reread Richards sweet messageshe missed me already and couldnt wait for me to come home. Soon, I moved in with Richard and Harry. Harry seemed happiest of all: for his dad, for himself, and for me.