As soon as the lifeboat crashed into the ocean, Jane realised just how much trouble they were in. The small craft rolled and pitched violently, cold spray filling the boat and chilling them all to the bone. Panicked cries and shrieks battled with the storm, a macabre soundtrack.
Maura gripped Jane’s hand tightly, the worried expression crinkling her face as the boat tipped again, icy ocean creeping over the side and pooling around their feet.
“This isn’t good, is it?” Elaine grabbed Maura’s other hand as her eyes pleaded with the doctor. Maura shook her head slowly.
Jane peered out across the blackness. The only thing she knew was that they needed land, and fast. Sitting in this bouncing bean tin for too long could lead to only one conclusion.
After a long and violent hour in the lifeboat, the lights of the ship were long gone. Jane couldn’t decide if that meant the ship had sunk or of they’d drifted far beyond the reach of its lights.
Jane stared out at the horizon, glancing over occasionally at Maura who remained stoic. The eerie silence that filled the craft tugged at the edges of reason. The screaming and panic had subsided after the last violent tip that had almost capsized them.
Maura studied each face carefully, she wanted to remember each one, each little nuance, every wrinkle and line.
Each person regarded the others in a similar way as they appeared to be making their peace in their own silent way.
Suddenly, Jane elbowed Maura violently in the ribs causing the doctor to gasp loudly. “What the hell, Jane?” she hissed through clenched teeth.
Jane only nodded out across the water. In the next flash of lightning, Maura saw it. An island. She scanned the dark sky quickly.
“What do you think?” Jane asked, she could almost hear the cogs turning in Maura’s head.
“Based on the position of the moon, the time and our estimated speed.” Jane saw Maura’s body clench at the mere prospect of guessing. “I think we’ll skim the south end of the island in about an hour.”
“Skim?” Jane hissed. “You mean, we’re going to miss the island?!” A few heads turned their way, straining to hear the conversation.
Maura nodded sadly. “If we continue on this heading, yes.”
Jane glanced at her watch. “So, we wait.”

Within 45 minutes, everyone else on the boat had realised that land was near; each person had their own idea of how to guarantee making it. Excited and hopeful chatter was interspersed with the ever present crash of thunder.
“I don’t think people should be moving so much.” Maura repeated.
The prospect of land had sent the majority of people to the starboard side of the boat, each one wanting to see this miracle for themselves. As a result of this, and the copious amount of sea water that had flowed into the vessel, the lifeboat was listing heavily.
“Hello, people?” Jane tried to get their attention. “Excuse me?!” She shouted loudly. “OI!!” she hollered, causing the majority of people to stop and turn.
“If we’re gonna get out of this, you need to rebalance the boat.” She tried to explain. “You need to return to your seats.”
People heckled and brushed her concerns away.
“I don’t want to die in a lifeboat, Jane.” Maura was on the verge of tears. “I don’t want to die out here.”
“If they don’t move.” Jane whispered sadly, “none of us will die in the lifeboat.” Maura frowned at her. “We’ll all die in the ocean!”
Another wave picked up the boat where it hung precariously on the crest before smashing back down into the churning water. Screams and loud splashes filled the air, drowning out the storm as two of the people nearest the edge fell into the bitter water.
Maura raced to the side, her first instinct to try and help others. “Maur, no!” Jane reached for her but her fingers only bushed the back of her life jacket.
Behind them, the wave crept silently, smashing into the boat and toppling it completely. The last thing Jane saw before succumbing to the black water were the wide, terrified eyes of her lover as she was sucked into the swell.