Key ideas: realistic fiction 8

The Steep Climb

1. At day’s end, William Washington Carr cycled along the pocked and gravelly road to make one last delivery. His destination was the Sea Isle lighthouse—the highest edifice in all of the sleepy coastal village. William thought that Mr. Holloway, the bearded and cordial lighthouse keeper, was the nerviest person he’d ever met. As one tremendously fearful of heights, William couldn’t imagine manning the aerial post or braving the storms that frequently rocked it.
2. Upon his arrival, Mr. Holloway, surprisingly, didn’t meet him straight away. William surveyed the parapet at the tower’s pinnacle. He expected to see Mr. Holloway there with spyglass to his eye, watching for ship traffic, but the platform was empty.
3. William cracked the door and peered into the dark vestibule.
4. “Mr. Holloway, I’ve brought your parcels from Becker’s Groceries and Sundries,” he called into the void.
5. A weak yet familiar voice responded, “Oh thank heavens, I’ve been in agony. William, you’ve got to come up to the lantern room and help me. I took a fall and must have splintered my leg.”
6. William quaked at the thought of climbing the steep stairs that loomed above.
7. “I’ll ride back to town and fetch the doctor and truly, I promise to make haste.”
8. “We don’t have the luxury because the lamp must be lit before night or else we’ll endanger the ships coming into the harbor,” Holloway pleaded. “If you meet me up here, I’ll instruct you on what to do.”
9. William squeaked out a feeble “yes” and began his ascent. Beads of sweat stung his eyes, but he wouldn’t wipe them away for fear of losing his grip on the railing. As the minutes passed, he placed his attention on the echo of his square and heavy footfalls, not the squall of fear in his belly.
10. At the top, the prone guardian mustered a smile. “My dear boy, I am enormously grateful for your aid,” he offered.
11. William grinned as well and returned, “I’m happy to be of service.” And for the first time, William pondered if he, too, contained some courage.