Last day of the sea festival. Had such a dip in the middle I lost track of the days.
Mum told me we had not taken a trip on the light bus for five years. I cannot accept that so much time has passed. Our visit used to be such a big part of this time of year. And now this may be our last one.
Even the queue was exciting. Marching along the sand with the tip of the bus poking out of the water. The neon glow covering every inch of the vehicle shining from beneath the waves, a large glowing mouth swallowing up everyone who entered.
But when we got on board today I thought of the darkness. The way that the bus sinks further and further into the gloom of the sea, and then with a click turns off all those lights.
We glided into oblivion for a few minutes with the other passengers. Not many this late into the festival, although the cogs of a veteran broke through the silence. The clang when we reach the bottom rings like a bell fresh from the cast.
A fog of sand surrounded the windows when the lights returned. But at last the shapes outside revealed themselves. Back wheels of army vehicles jutting from the seabed. Checkpoints covered in seaweed, oily creatures flitting about the remains of the rusted metal poles.
I know some people hate this part. But I love the way flecks of granite dot the sand, and old cans glitter on coral walls. I want to swim down here. Take a nap. This thirty second pitstop feels like home.
So began the roar of bubbles signaling our return to the surface. I now know about all the effect our lights have on the wildlife, but it was still magic how the fish looped and swept around the bus. A vortex of life all the way to the surface.
But Venus, how on Earth did all this aquatic glory make you want to work at the Stitch? Who could possibly spot the connection?
After disembarking, we sipped hot cherry in a local cafe. These return drinks are the one time I ask the vending bear to heat them up. A tradition with forgotten origins.
The best part was I did not think about the Butter Mouse all day.
So glad we took the trip. If things kick off again, I must remember the stillness underwater.
Clip: Another classic Butter Mouse call in this video. A massive switch from day to night. And an actual clear word! Like post as in old letters? Are they flying?