Page 211 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

I have a feeling, however, that he is going to need yourhelp. When you find her, my girls, show her kindness. Tell her how much I love her. How much I longed to find her. That I never gave up. Tell her how humbled I am to be her father, as I am to be yours.

There is nothing left for me to say that has not already been said. But know that you all made my life worth living. Even though I have endured tragedy and pain, you each gave me more hope and happiness than you could ever possibly know. If reading my story has taught you anything, I hope it is to heed the advice which I imparted to you throughout your lives:

Seize the day!

Live for the moment!

Relish every second of life – even its most difficult moments.

With love,

Your Pa (Salt) x

June 2008

Star put down the final page and looked around the table. Most of her sisters were openly crying, and were being comforted by their partners. She felt Mouse’s hand on her back.

‘I... don’t know what to say,’ stuttered Ally.

‘That bastard,’ Electra breathed. ‘He took Elle from him. All over nothing.’

‘Merry... are you all right?’ asked Miles, looking concerned.

She swallowed hard. ‘I think so...’ Her voice cracked and she let out a sob. ‘Oh God, I’m sorry,’ she said, waving a hand in front of her face.

‘Aw, Mum, come here,’ said Mary-Kate, standing up and embracing her.

‘I’m so sorry, Merry. How hideous to hear what was done to your mother,’ Tiggy added.

‘And poor Pa. To learn all that right at the end of his life...’ Maia swallowed.

‘I can’t even imagine,’ said Ally, through snivels. ‘I can’t believe I got so close to him. If only Theo’s boat had been a little faster.’

‘He was protecting us, right until the last,’ said Star. ‘He wanted to sacrifice his life to ensure our safety. How very Pa.’

‘Do you accept why he had to “stay dead”?’ Georg asked the table. ‘He was terrified that if Zed discovered that your father had been present at the time of Kreeg’s death, he might have caused you harm.’

The girls all nodded. ‘When did he die, Georg? Really?’ Electra asked.

‘Yes, how soon after he arrived on Delos did he...go?’ sniffed CeCe.

Georg hesitated. ‘I last saw him three days afterwards. I helped him with securing the property. As you may know, the island is very small, and of great mythological significance. There are only one or two houses. We offered the current owner quadruple what it was worth, and he and his goats moved out almost immediately.’

‘That hasn’t answered my question, Georg. When did Pa die?’ Electra said firmly.

Georg shook his head, and looked pleadingly at Ally. Ally looked at Ma, who stood.

Taking a very deep breath, she began to speak. ‘My little girls. It is time to be brave. Your father is not yet dead.’

The deck was silent.

Tiggy’s eyes opened wide. ‘I knew it...’

Electra gasped. ‘No... this can’t be... you’re telling me Pa Salt is alive? Now?’

‘Yes,’ said Ma.

The ocean wind blew across the table.