The Shell Collector

of tucked away in your own little oasis. What brought you to our town?”
Amanda stammered. “Well, I…We needed a change. I…” She looked off, then back at Maeve. “I love the beach, and it’s beautiful here.”
“It is.” Maeve suspected there was more to that story, but she didn’t push. Instead, she pointed to where the land began to curve around and rise higher. “That’s my place. I’m sure we’ll see lots of each other on the beach. I’m out here every day.” She delicately tapped Hailey and Jesse on the head.
“That’s a big house,” Hailey remarked.
Unlike the other houses around here that sat close to one another, hers sat alone. It did look big from here. Three levels above the stilts, and a walkway on the top floor with a wonderful view. Yes, it looked quite grand from a distance.
“I grew up in that house,” Maeve said. “It sat empty for years after my folks died. Like yours, it took some work. That makes it even more special, don’t you think?”
“Definitely,” Amanda said with a smile. “We love a project.”
Maeve had a feeling that even simple tasks became a project when there were two littles at your feet, but then she’d never had any so she wouldn’t really know. “When I lost my husband, I moved back. A lot of house for one lady and her old dog, but it’s home.”
“Your dog can come play with Denali someday,” Hailey offered. “Like a playdate.”
“I’m not so sure my dog is up for much playing anymore. He’s like me: old.”
Hailey propped her hands on her hips. “You’re not old. You’re fun.”
“In all my eighty-one years, I don’t think I’ve ever had a nicer compliment. I’ll tell my sister, Judy, you said so.” Maeve lifted her chin. “She thinks I’m old as dirt. She wants me to come live with her.”
“You’re eighty-one?” Hailey’s eyes bugged out. “You don’t look that old. Is that in mermaid years?”
“You really don’t,” Amanda said.
“Well, thank you, both, but I am, and my dog is old too.”
“What kind of dog do you have?”
“Mine’s just an old mutt. The veterinarian said she thought he was a schnauzer-beagle mix.”
“A schneagle. They are so cute,” Amanda said.
“He’s not really that cute at all, but he’s sweet. I didn’t even want a dog, but that sister of mine said I needed one. She also said he was a senior dog that would never find a home if I didn’t take him. I figured I’d appease her since the thing probably wouldn’t make it to the end of the year, and here I am seven years later and that dog will probably outlive me.”
“Oh no.” Amanda lifted her hand to stifle a laugh.
“It’s true, but we’ve grown to really enjoy each other.”
Hailey tugged on Amanda’s arm. “Maeve collects stuff in her pretty bag while she’s walking on the beach.”
“Treasures!” Jesse jumped, inadvertently splashing the entire side of Maeve’s long flowing skirt. The brightly colored fabric hung heavy and wet.
Amanda winced. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s the beach!” Maeve lifted her foot in the air and stomped the water, splashing them all.
Jesse’s drenched face struck an awkward expression, and then he dropped his hands to his knees and belly-laughed.
Hailey reached for Amanda’s hand. “Mom, I want to collect sea treasures just like she does.”
Jesse touched Maeve’s tan leg, jabbering so fast she only understood about every other word, but she saw that his gaze was intent on her bag.
“Please?” Amanda seemed to remind him.
He pressed his lips together, then looked up at Maeve, dimples deep into his cheeks. “Please can I see more shells?”
Maeve lowered her bag to the sand. “Go ahead. Rummage around and pick out your favorite.”
Jesse picked up a tiny corkscrew-shaped shell. “I like this one. It’s funny looking.”
“That’s a neat shell, isn’t it?” Maeve placed her finger on the sharp point at the top. “It’s called an auger.”
Jesse’s tight grip made his fingertips whiten. “Ogger.”
“Right. An auger is a drilling tool that construction workers use to dig holes. See how it’s shaped? When it spins, it moves the dirt out of the way and makes a deep hole.”
His eyes sparkled. “I like dirt.”
“I bet you do.”
Hailey extended a finger toward the biggest shell in the bag. “I like that one.”
Maeve reached in and handed it to her. “That’s a lightning whelk.”
“Lightning?” Hailey held it out as if it might shock her.
“Not that kind of lightning. It won’t hurt you.”
Hailey closed her hand around it, testing to be sure. Satisfied, she asked, “Where did it come from?”
“Whelks are kind of like snails. They build their shell, making it bigger as they grow. I guess this one died, or maybe he moved away. The tide brought the empty shell in last night.”
“It’s beautiful. Now place it carefully back in her bag,” Amanda said.
Jesse put his shell back in Maeve’s bag too. “Thank you.” He marched off in a circle around Maeve, happier to be splashing.
Maeve tidied her bag. “It’s been nice chatting with you. I wish I had more time, but I’ve got to run. I like to be at the courthouse for the town council and zoning meetings. You should come check them out sometime. It’s a great way to be on top of what’s happening in this town.” She turned to leave.
“Bye.” Hailey waved. “I hope we see you soon.”
Maeve walked away, hoping the same.
—
Maeve changed into a sundress and flats and walked over to the courthouse. It wasn’t but a few blocks away but seemed farther in this heat.
The Whelk’s Island courthouse was no Taj Mahal. Just a long two-story saltbox with white pillars in front. She climbed the three steps and walked inside. The air-conditioning was a welcome relief.
She nodded hellos to the regulars and the mayor as he walked by. “Good morning, Maeve. You’re looking well.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” Maeve slid into her favorite spot in the second row. She’d learned to sit near the end so she could leave without bothering anyone if she got bored or fed up. Truth was,