Alan's tender skin couldn't withstand such pulling, and he immediately cried out in pain.
In desperation, Paul kicked out at the person dragging Alan, sending them into the churning torrent.
Seeing a life kicked away by his own actions, Paul felt quite distressed. He kissed the top of Alan's head, comforting him, "Don't be afraid, it's okay, it'll be okay. The Lord will forgive us."
"Daddy, I'm not afraid, I know you did it to save me."
Those were the last words he heard from Alan. For right then another powerful wave came, carrying with it a needlefish. The needlefish's long sharp spike stabbed viciously into his arm, and amidst waves of pain, his hand grew numb; he felt he no longer had the strength to hold onto the lighthouse or protect Alan.
It was at that critical moment that another person floated by, wearing a lifejacket.
Without a second thought, he pulled the person over, only to find they were already dead.
