Circle of the Moon

By Maggie Taylor-Saville

Jill Davies is a nurse at a small bush hospital in North Queensland, Australia. Working shifts and caring for her mother who suffers Alzheimer's, is wearing her down. When she is offered a restful weekend in the rain forest of Sullivan's Mountain, she looks forward to the break. Returning home, her life is changed in an instant. An accident occu

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Universal Breakthrough
• Release date: Aug 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956094183

Maggie Taylor-Saville

Maggie Taylor-Saville has a love of writing stories that began many years ago while bringing up her five children. Now in retirement, she lives with her husband Harold, in Manly, on Brisbane’s Bayside, and continues her love of writing.

Book preview

Circle of the Moon

An intriguing Romance

Maggie Taylor-Saville

Copyright © 2021 Maggie Taylor-Saville.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without a prior written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review, and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by the copyright law.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021925356

ISBN: 978-1-956094-19-0 (PB)

ISBN: 978-1-956094-20-6 (HB)

ISBN: 978-1-956094-18-3 (E-book)

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

The Universal Breakthrough

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Printed in the United States of America

Other books by Maggie Taylor-Saville

Mystical Magic

The Eucalypt Tree

Acknowledgments

Grateful thanks to those friends who read my many drafts and offered their suggestions

Thanks to my daughter Samantha for her insight into the headspace, of Jill, and also to my sister in law Judy for her directions, and knowledge of Italy,

Thanks to my husband Harold for his continuing encouragement, and my family, and friends, for their support.

To the memory of my brother

John Thomas Fricke

who loved the continuing search,

for that elusive strike of gold!

R.I.P

FOR MY FAMILY

Live your lives well. Follow your Dreams.

Never Give Up

Believe that everything happens for a reason.

Contents

Acknowledgments

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35

CIRCLE

of the

MOON

1

I am a long awaited only child of older parents. My mother, an avid reader of romance novels, bestowed upon me, the name Juanita Jillian Davies. Growing up, this always proved a problem when my friends constantly called me Joonita. As soon as I was old enough, I started using my middle name calling myself Jill and life became much hap pier.

Now thirty years of age, I am a tall slim woman, with shoulder- length auburn hair and brown eyes. I work as a nurse, in a small country hospital south of Innisfail in North Queensland, I love my job, but working shifts and looking after my mother who has Alzheimer’s, has become quite stressful for me.

I have a small apartment, not far from my parents’ home. When my father passed away suddenly, mum was not well enough to cope on her own. I kept my apartment, but moved back home to look after her.

I know she feels lonely when I’m at work, but phoning me numerous times through the day, wanting me to come home is very upsetting. I dread hearing the phone in the nurse’s station, and some-one calling,

It’s your mother, - again. I can feel myself becoming a nervous wreck.

One day while chatting with work colleague Dr William Smetheral, who is also my mother’s doctor, he suddenly said,

Jill you need to take a break!

I am surprised to realise, he has noticed my worn out state and I replied, You could be right!

Not letting it go, he continued I have a cabin up in the rain forest on Sullivan’s Mountain. I used to go there on my weekends off, but I no longer use it. It’s just sitting there, and you’re welcome to use it any time. The peace of the rain-forest would refresh you!

Sounds just what I need. I said, I’ll certainly give it some thought.

I know William is right. I do need a break, but someone has to be here to look after mum.

I’ve heard about a woman called Annie, who often acts as carer/companion for elderly patients. I’ll talk to her, and she may be willing to stay with mum through the day while I’m at work.

Annie is a caring lady, with no family of her own, and she agreed to stay with mum. They got along so well, it wasn’t long before Annie agreed to live in full time, allowing me to move back to my apartment.

When I saw William again, I accepted his offer of the cabin.

On my next free weekend, I threw some toiletries and a change of clothes into an overnight bag. Wearing cool shorts and a tee- shirt, I left early in the morning.

Driving my ancient Holden Station Wagon, the air blowing through the open window smells so fresh and clean. The orange ball of the sun, rising over the Pacific Ocean promises another hot day. I’m looking forward to a relaxing time on Sullivan’s Mountain.

Reaching the township of Mossman, I stopped to check the map. I’m not really good at reading maps, but my old car doesn’t have a GPS. Taking note of where I have to turn off the main highway, and onto the mountain road, I drove into the town to find a supermarket, and stock up on some food for the weekend.

Parking the car, the first thing to assail my nostrils was the aroma of freshly baked bread, leading my steps to the supermarket bakery department

A rush of long forgotten memories flooded my mind, and I thought about my friend Lorraine. We were journalism students in Brisbane, and every morning we had coffee and hot bread rolls before classes. We also became addicted to eating Lattice biscuits. A packet of these, soon found their way into my shopping trolley.

After graduation Lorraine wanted to see the world, before beginning her career. We lost touch, and I often wonder what she is doing now?

I worked as a journalist for a few years, but when mum became ill, I made a career change and studied nursing, so I could help her.

Giving myself a mental shake, I picked up a loaf of bread, and placing it in the trolley, continued my shopping. Bread, butter, milk and cereal should do me for breakfast. Cheese and vegemite to make a sandwich, and hopefully the cabin will have some cooking facility. Something to heat should do me for the week-end.

Nearing the checkout, I remembered the most important essential, – coffee! Going back for it, a sudden thought entered my head.

I forgot to ask William about a bathroom. This could be a disaster!

A toilet roll and a torch were quickly added to my shopping list. Carrying a couple of shopping bags filled with my weekend essentials, I returned to my car. The warmth of the sun makes me feel in holiday spirit. A sign near my car, points to a timetable where the shuttle bus picks up tourists heading to the spectacular Mossman Gorge. I have always wanted to go there. If I hurry, I might just be in time to catch the bus. I had left home at 5:30am to avoid the heat of the day, so it is still early.

Unlocking my car, I tossed the shopping bags into the back, slammed the door shut, and set off at a run, only to be pulled up with a jolt. In my rush to grab my shoulder bag, I’ve jammed the strap in the door! By the time I free my bag, I have to rush to catch the bus.

Gasping for breath, I almost fell up the steps as the driver started the engine. Looking down at me, he grinned as he said,

That was a close call lady!

I couldn’t answer him, as I collapsed puffing, into the nearest empty seat. Regaining my breath, I realise I must look a sight, with my hair all over my face. No wonder other passengers seem amused.

Arriving at the Gorge, I stepped down from the bus and the tantalising smell of fish and chips, reminded me I hadn’t eaten since early this morning. Lengthening the strap on my shoulder bag, I repositioned it to cross over my chest, leaving my hands free. A quick stop at the kiosk, for some hot chips in a cardboard cup, then I followed other visitors along the path into the Gorge.

It was much cooler under the canopy of the rain forest, the scent of damp earth and the rushing sound of the fast moving mountain stream as it tumbles and splashes over big rocks before swirling around, making amazing rock pools. Walking along the path beside the stream, I am in awe of the tall curtain fig trees, stretching their age old branches, towards the sky. Lush green ferns are interspersed amongst the tropical foliage.

I can’t resist sitting on a rock at the edge of the stream and taking off my sandals to cool my feet in the icy water.

Children sitting in these rock pools squealed as the water sprayed over them. The energetic stream rushed on, over rapids and away through the Gorge.

I’m glad I took the time to come here. I could stay all day, but I still have a drive ahead of me. As I bend to replace my sandals, my attention is drawn to the children playing in the rock pool. Their happy squeals of laughter are now screams of fear. Turning, I saw a young boy overbalance, and fall into the fast moving water. His arms flailed as he tried to regain his balance. The water is not deep, but flowing so swiftly the young boy seems unable to find his feet and the current is carrying him towards the rapids. I don’t remember scrambling over the rocky edge of the stream, and into the water, but I am just in time to grab him by the leg of his shorts, before he reached the rapids.

He is only about six years old, and very scared.

His mother, watching the whole incident unfold is screaming, as his father rushed into the water to take him from me, and hand him over to his distraught mother who wrapped him in a towel. With tears running down her cheeks, she is unable to speak as she holds her son close.

Shaking my hand the father thanked me profusely. I am shivering from shock as I am helped from the water. The little boy, disentangled himself from his mother’s embrace, and turned to wrap his arms around my legs. Looking up at me shyly, he said in a small voice, Fank you for saving me! Looking down at that little face, his blonde hair now dark and wet, I felt the tears start. Thinking of what could have happened sent shivers down my spine.

His father, who said his name, is Michael said,

How can we, ever thank you?

No need, I replied, but I am a little shaky, so if you wouldn’t mind helping me, I have to catch the shuttle bus back to Mossman where I’ve left my car.

Oh no! he said, We can’t let you go back on the bus. We have to get young Patrick home, and we drive through Mossman, so please let us take you back. It’s the least we can do!

I gratefully accepted their offer, and back at my car, as they waved me goodbye, I feel the need for a strong coffee and a sugar fix. Noticing a small coffee shop nearby, I hope it’s a bit cooler inside.

As soon as I heard the shop doorbell tinkle, I remember coming here with my parents. I was about five years old when it was called a Milk Bar. The sweet smell of ice cream, milk shakes and lollies, now replaced by the welcome aroma of coffee and hot food. I stood gazing around, lost in a sea of memories.

The woman standing behind the counter is of a comfortable build, with short cropped grey hair. Wearing dark rimmed glasses, she appears motherly, and looked at me in surprise when I ordered a double shot coffee and a large slice of coconut cream pie.

Sitting at a small table waiting for my order, my stomach is churning and I’m beginning to feel sick. I know it’s just reaction, and resting my arms on the table I put my head down and closed my eyes. I must have dozed off, and am startled by a concerned voice saying, Are you alright dear? The voice made me look up, to see the waitress, with my coffee and pie.

Thank you I said, I’m just a little tired, but the coffee will work wonders.

I didn’t want to go into details.

She left me, and as I sipped the hot strong liquid, memories of years ago when I was a journalist drifted into my mind. I recall doing this same thing after I had covered a particularly upsetting story.

Much as I love nursing, there are times, when I long for those exciting days, and the friendship I had with Lorraine.

Mmm, this coconut pie is good. I’d forgotten how yummy they taste!

2

Returning to my car, I opened the door, and a wave of hot air hit me like a brick wall. I wound all the windows down, before starting the en gine.

Air conditioning is something else my old car hasn’t got!

Backing out of the parking bay, the hot air feels humid, and I notice black clouds in the sky. Summer storms develop quickly here, and can be quite severe.

At the mountain turnoff, a heat haze shimmered on the road ahead of me. William had instructed me, to drive 15.5 kilometres, until I come to an old burnt out tree. Here, I would turn left, up a bush track to the cabin.

How does he expect me to find a burnt out tree, in a forest of trees? Moisture is oozing through my fingers, on to the steering wheel as I carefully negotiate the sharp bends on the mountain road. I am so hot I can feel an anxiety attack coming on.

Finally I spot the tree. Nervously turning off the road onto this overgrown track, I bump my way beneath overhanging trees, that block out the diminishing light caused by the impending storm. I have no idea where the cabin is located.

When I see it, I’m dismayed to find it so isolated.

What was William thinking!

He told me he had cleaned it up, but to my eyes it looks abandoned!

Trees and tropical foliage surround the cabin. My inner voice screamed, Turn back, this is not right!

Looking up at the sky, I felt a moment of panic, as I realise how dark it has become. Knowing the storm is very close I kill the engine, close all the windows and get out of the car. With trepidation, I walk towards the door. Looking up, I am comforted by the sight of a solar panel on the roof.

Using the key William has given me, I entered the one room cabin. The first thing I notice is the musty smell. It obviously hasn’t been used in quite a while. After my long day, I am in urgent need of a bathroom, and looking around, there doesn’t seem to be one

Oh great! This is my worst nightmare!

When my eyes adjust, I see there is a back door, bolted on the inside. After wrestling with the bolt I opened the door, and then I saw it - a Dunny out the back - in the bush! Visions of creepy crawlies hiding under the lid entered my mind, but the situation has now become desperate! A faint track, covered with leaf litter, and overgrown foliage, meanders through the trees towards the small timber lean to. Reaching the door, I cautiously pushed it open.

Oh my God, what a relief! It is a proper toilet, with a septic tank.

Feeling more comfortable, I return to the cabin. On the way back, I notice a large water tank attached to the outside wall.

Perhaps this won’t be as bad as I first thought!

Going inside, I surveyed my palatial weekend getaway. Sparsely furnished, it consists of a table and two wooden chairs a comfortable armchair, and an old but cosy looking double