At dawn, she took the notebook to Eli. He recognized the shape of the reef at once and agreed to go, though he tried to sound braver than he felt. Neither of them told Maggie where they were headed. It was easier that way for everyone.
The tide that afternoon fell lower than it had in days, uncovering slick rock and narrow ridges usually hidden under moving gray water. Nora and Eli crossed carefully, boots slipping on weed, until they reached the far side, where the village cliffs blocked most sound from shore.