What was it that woke me up? Was it a thought, was it hunger or did I simply realize that I did not want to die, after all? Mr MacKay, have you been able to explain to yourself what has kept you alive?

Regards,
Annu Heiskanen

Dear Mrs Heiskanen,

Your letters have not gone unnoticed. Today the postman joked I was a famous TV star, what with getting fan mail now: from abroad, even. It’s given them something to talk about in the post office.

I don’t get out much these days. The third lightning strike destroyed my hearing. I can’t say I’ve missed listening to people talk that much. I speak to Mary as I always have done, and I can lip-read, though that’s not easy in the boat. I’ve got to keep my eyes on the trap and my wife’s lips at the same time. Signing doesn’t always work, either, not with your fingers caught up in the string of a trap. But we understand a lot without the need for words.

Sometimes I wish I could still hear the wind. I hadn’t realized how much I could tell about the weather with my hearing. Now I have to open the door and feel the direction of the wind on my face. In the boat, the blone complains when the engine gets too noisy. I must admit that when I’m at sea, I don’t miss my hearing. I never liked coves who talk while fishing. Never mind sing. And the waves, those you just feel. I just hope I don’t lose my sight.

You wrote of a sleep so deep it had no dreams. For me, too, when the lightning strikes, there is an emptiness. For a moment I remember nothing; everything gets wiped away. Then, when the charge is gone, I remember again and the pain comes. But the emptiness, that’s dizzying.

I don’t know why I haven’t died. The people here say it’s in punishment, but they don’t say that aloud, not any more. Not since Mary gave them a piece of her mind.

Hamish MacK

Hello Mr MacKay,

I still haven’t claimed my second lottery win. I’m afraid if this gets out, someone will have the bright idea of contacting the papers and I’ll become a celebrity freak. I’m afraid the girl will tell people at school, or somebody will guess down at the shop, anything.

I don’t dare do the lottery any more.

You’ve just carried on as you always have, isn’t that right? Aren’t you scared?