Storm Watching

On their anniversary, the best gift was a precious memory

- BETH MCKAY

EIllie tucked herself into a winged velvet armchair. It had the best view of the waves pounding the beach below. The North Cornish coastline was renowned for its drama in all seasons, but winter was aweinspiring. The hotel lounge looked out to the open sea, where magnificent, white-crested rollers stormed in. They curled and broke with a powerful crash as they hit the rocky outposts of the bay. Intrepid surfers were out, swooping and curving through the seething foam with a reckless bravery, which Ellie could not help but admire. She shivered despite the warmth of the fire crackling in the grate. Ellie had always enjoyed bodyboarding with the family, but winter surfing was better as an armchair spectacle.

"What a great spot!" Ellie's husband Tom settled himself down on the leather sofa beside her, newspaper in hand. "I can't believe the surfers are tackling those waves." He shook his head in disbelief as a balaclava clad figure did a graceful pirouette and tumbled in.

Illie tucked herself into a "Wipe out!" they both interjected at the same moment and laughed at the coincidence.