#noone knows how long ive waited to title something the graveyard shift...

[zahroreadsthings]

The graveyard shift...

Question: Do you watch the lights or help with the nets?

Response: Help with the nets. Lex doesn't look like they want to be near the tools.

Check notes for previous instalments

'I'll do the nets,' you say. Lex doesn't look like they want to be near the tools. They nod.

The place they pointed out isn't a cave like you were expecting. Part of a cliff's base was worn away until all that remains now is a platform sheltered by the cliff above it. A dip in the rock blocks the lantern's light from reaching the anchor.

Zulfiya crawls into the opening and you follow. The rock above you is low enough to touch while you're sitting down, and the shelf is wet under your hands. It's safe now but when the tide comes in it'll be underwater.

'When do we start worrying about the tide?' you ask.

Zulfiya looks up in alarm. 'The what.'

'This place'll be safe for a few hours,' Lex says. They station themself off the shelf to keep an eye on the lights.

The lantern Zulfiya sets between you lights up little pools of water in the uneven rock. She makes a sound of disgust. You catch her fingers tremble as she unhooks smaller nets from one belt and spills metal rings from a pouch on another.

She rubs her temples. 'They're being loud.' She crawls out and takes a few steps towards the anchor. 'Shut up! I'm coming back soon!'

You can only hear the waves and birds. Lex looks like they might be sick.

Zulfiya returns and twists open a few metal rings that she uses to attach two nets together. You follow her lead.

You work in silence. Zulfiya occasionally makes a comment about how loud it is and at one point runs her fingers over the rock like she's looking for something.

When the metal rings from her pouch are used up she asks, 'How do the lights look?'

'Dimmer but still there,' Lex replies.

She takes off a necklace and separates the links, letting the twisted rings fall to the rock. You pick them up and start attaching more nets.

'Will this be big enough?' You're not sure if you'll have time to do this again.

'Yeah. The rings pick up more than just the net. But they'll burn out,' she complains. 'I'll need to get new ones.'

When the net's complete you lean back on your hands and wait. Outside of the lantern's circle of light is only the dim moonlight. The birds have stopped calling.

Lex says faintly, 'The lights are out.'

Zulfiya drapes the net over her arm and crawls out again. You take the lantern and follow her. She doesn't wait for you and is already walking back to the anchor. Lex pulls you to your feet.