And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions,
Before the taking of a toast and tea.
―T.S.Eliot
Who knew a simple hike to the lake could become so traumatic?
I had no idea what triggered my panic attack. It was totally unlike the other experiences I've had where my surroundings inspired a memory or vision.
All I could feel was sheer terror and the overwhelming need to run.
So, here I was, sitting on the bench opposite the marina and aware that Ray Hull was staring intently at me from his workshop doorway.
But I had no intention of acknowledging him or indulging his curiosity.
I was recovered sufficiently to stand on my feet, so I got up and casually sauntered away without glancing back to see if his eyes were following me.
But there was no real need to look back―I could feel his gaze boring into the back of my skull.
I had no idea why Ray Hull was fixated on me and at the moment I didn't care. I just wanted to return home and decide whether I was up to having high tea with Sylvia lightbourne this afternoon.
It was almost noon by the time I finished my shower and changed out of my hiking attire.
The thought crossed my mind to give Elias, my shrink, a call and tell him about my experience, but I decided against it figuring it could wait until I saw him on Wednesday.
It was weird in a way because my terror felt more like a paranormal experience than even my vision of the girl from my dreams. I made a mental note to ask Elias about that as well.
The drive to the Lightbourne's was pleasant and thankfully uneventful―after all, there was only so much drama I felt I could bear in a day.
As I pulled into the circular drive to approach the house, I spotted Sylvia peering out the window, obviously waiting for me.
I don't know why it made me feel uneasy but it did. It almost gave me the impression she wanted to intercept me to avoid my ringing the doorbell.
But then again, maybe the event of this morning was making me feel paranoid.
She was all smiles when she greeted me at the door and brushed my cheek with a polite kiss.
"I just happened to glance outside to check the weather and saw you coming, Marcus. They were predicting a chance of rain but I set out tea on the screened-in lanai."
"Tea outside sounds marvellous. The weather is so mild today I took a hike around the harbour."
"Well, I won't make you work hard or sing for your supper, " she giggled. "I tried to provide a variety of finger sandwiches and sweet treats―the only challenge was choosing the blend of tea. I hope creamed Earl Grey will suffice."
"You must be channeling my thoughts―creamed Earl Grey is my favourite."
Truth was, I was taken aback she knew my preference in tea since I drank only coffee when I was at dinner with her and Clay.
It made me wonder what other secrets Sylvia knew and for that matter, Ray Hull and the rest of the townsfolk in West Harbour.