Hand in hand we stepped into the pool with bare feet, the sparkling sea water surprisingly warm and comforting.

“Look into the pool,” Jayden said. “What do you see?

“Sea water,” I said.

“Anything else?”

“Some rocks and moss. Should there be something else here? What is it, Jayden?”

“But do you see the faces?”

“Faces? What do you mean by faces?”

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me! I’ve spent hours here, gazing into the bottom of this pool. Something draws me here, Mandin, and sometimes I see them so clearly it scares me to death. I think they want something from me, but I can’t figure it all out just yet.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Deadly serious. They won’t leave me alone, Mandin, and I want you to help me. I think they’re the spirits of this cave. Unless I’m going mad! There, by the rock. Did you see that? A man’s face in the water. Let’s wade a little deeper. Come on.”

“Jayden, you’re scaring me. Stop it! Just let go of me!”

He grabbed me by the arm and we waded into the deep brackish water.