They came round a fast meander, and Sam and Katie screamed with laughter. Hold on, said Jane, but grinning, moving with the boat. She put her oar in, twisting it to put them back on the course that Jack was looking for, and he used his oar to counter the movement just enough. Sam pointed to the bubbling rapids in the middle, go on Daddy, he said. Let’s go, let’s go shouted Katie. I don’t know, said Jack and looked at Jane. She grinned at him mischievously and they both steered the boat into the middle of the river. The boat twisted and bucked, but they all moved themselves skilfully, blending into the movements, becoming the river and they went faster and faster. Jane whooped and they each took turn to whoop after her. After a final surge, the rapids slowed, and then calm, and they all collapsed into the bottom of the boat, Sam and Katie on Jane and Jack, all panting and laughing. Jane turned her head to Jack and he reached for her hand. The air was clean and fresh and sparkled above them. Within a few minutes the only sounds were the gentle lapping of the river on the side of the boat. Then, a distant roar began.
Day 25
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