Dark Water

Dark Water was by far the most terrible tourist spot in the city. We had festivals, carnivals, monuments and over-sized furniture, but the lake was an eyesore. Of course, we were stuck with attractions that we gradually downplayed over the years until it stopped appearing on the brochure. This attraction was known as Lake Robinson, but locally it was known as Dark Water Lake. It was something the adults ignored and the children whispered about.

The reason behind the lake being ostracised was the same reason why some houses in the world never sold. Someone died and I don't mean of old age. The death in this case was a mass murder. There was an event being held at the lake. Some say it was a birthday others say it was a wedding. Truth be told, we've all forgotten. All records were destroyed by the previous mayor and it became a local story discussed more often that you would think, but died as quickly as the victims. Call it time changing truth into legend and legend into myth, but I know better.

I used to visit the lake often. It was almost a second home. There wasn't anyone to bother me and I enjoyed the view as well. Conifer trees surrounded the lake while the sun parted through them creating a display of golden reflections on the lake that was just as breathtaking as the day before. I found myself sitting against a tree trunk and doodling in my journal.  Of course I was hit with many questions after spending so much time there.

It wasn't surprising they used to hold events here. I can't imagine a more memorable place in town. It made no sense to me why the mayor would close this part off. It was a fantastic attraction. I pondered this question for a while before returning to town.

I guess the reason behind the time I spent at the lake was because I didn't have any friends or family here. To top it off the new attractions were dull and tacky. I rode the roller coaster a million times. The monuments were wearing into nothing and the giant furniture..well they were never interesting to begin with.

I loved that lake, until one afternoon I walked to the diner. It never changed over the years. Great food and awesome coffee kept me going and the diner supplied both. Too be honest, the place wasn't good for me. The food was great, but it wasn't exactly healthy. Anyway, that afternoon I ordered a burger, a real nice burger too. While I enjoyed my meal I listened to the conversations in the diner. Usual stuff. Truckers discussing how difficult their job was and teens teasing each other and planning their next day of easy living.  However, there were these two teenagers who had a booth next to mine and they were discussing the 'Lake Disaster'. I shouldn't be surprised, but I couldn't help but focus on everything they said.

"A counsellor?"

"Yeah, man. It was camp thing they started back in the 70's. Counsellor and a bunch of messed up kids. He was holding a swimming event. He planned to teach them all how to swim by the end of the day. The problem was he was drunk. He just threw the kids off the boat. When he realized what he was doing he began to swim after them...but he just sank. Only one kid made it out of that and that was because he was able to clutch onto the boat. How dumb is that?"

"Jeez, that's terrible, man. I don't know though, it sounds like something out of a movie."

"Maybe, but it makes sense why nobody goes there."

"Dude, that is a tragedy or something. It's sad."

"Wuss, it's just dumb."

I almost laughed at them, but i just shook it off. It was by far the worst story I've heard yet, but it did remind me of catching up with my older brother. I finished my food and walked back to the lake. I don't want to be late.

I reached the lake just in time to catch my brother. He stood on at the edge of the water. I ran up to his side and punched his shoulder.

"Hey, man. What's up?"

He shrugged off the punch and smiled at me. He was probably the biggest moron I have ever know, but also one of the funniest. The teachers treated him badly though, always ignoring him in class. I guess the teachers never paid much attention to me either, but I always sat at the back of the class and out of sight. Last thing I wanted was attention, but my brother craved it.

"I can't wait for tomorrow, bro. I'm going to put my course on the map. I will be legendary," He told me rubbing his arm a little. "I was finally able to convince the the primary school teacher to let me take the kids on a field trip, you're going to be there right?"

"Of course," I told him. "I've been kinda nervous about joining the rest of the kids, I'm so much older, but I need to learn."

"Of course you do! Everyone needs to know how to swim! To top it off I have this great idea to handle the kids with the least amount of effort."

"Okay, what's the foolproof plan now? Are you going to build a floating cabin?"

"Ha, actually that's not a bad idea. I'm going to write that down later."

"So what is your plan?"

"I'm going to cut the camp time in half so the kids can spend more time doing whatever they want. I plan to do it straight after the party."

"Whatever you say. Just go easy on that stuff. You're the light weight of the family."

"Shut up," he laughed.

It was true. I remember the time our father let him have half a glass of beer and that alone made my brother dizzy. A party might be some trouble, but I really didn't think much of it. For now, I needed to leave before the camp began, It was his thing and I didn't want to steal his thunder.

"I better get going," I told him. "Mom and dad are having their own '70's end party' and I need to help set up."

"Yeah, whatever," he smiled simply staring out at the lake. "It looks so peaceful, doesn't it?"

"The lake?"

"Yeah...something about is so...I don't know. I want to visit the lake every single day..."

"I know what you mean..." I said looking out at the lake. I felt a tear slide down my cheek. It was weird...but I didn't mind it. "Hey, before I go..."

When I turned back to look at my brother I found myself staring into the forest surrounded the trees. He was gone again. It felt better visiting him this time, but my heart still ached. I don't know how he can talk to me...I'm so much taller than him now. When it happened he was double my height, yet he still talks to me like I'm his little brother. Stopping myself by shaking my head I turned on the spot and made my way home.
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"Have a good night, bro...see you tomorrow," I murmured before drifting to silence.

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