Christopher Charles

Rose Twelve Christopher Charles

Stumbling most of the way, she managed to reach the wheelhouse. It was deserted. The wheel was moving lazily one way and then the other. She took hold of it and looked around. She wanted to turn the boat, but she did not know what side of the river she was on. Deciding she must be close to the east bank, she began turning the wheel to her right. It had to be a tight turn.

The heavy smoke coming from the fire was being driven towards the wheelhouse. She could not see a thing until she was halfway into her turn. The smoke cleared, and the outline of the opposite bank became visible. She continued the turn until the boat was moving upriver against the current.