The Lighthouse Keeper Who Tucked In the Seagulls

Far, far out in the sea lay a small rocky island. On the island stood an old white lighthouse. It was tall and slender and gazed out over the waves. In the lighthouse lived an old man named Henrik. Henrik had white hair and warm eyes. He had lived in the lighthouse for many, many years. He knew the sea better than anyone else.

Henrik did not live alone on the island. On the low cliffs below the lighthouse lived many seagulls. White gulls, grey gulls, small gulls and big gulls. By day they flew over the sea and fished in the glittering waves. In the evening they always came home to their little nooks in the rock. Henrik had learned everyone's name. Every single one. It had taken a long time, but now he knew them all.

Every evening, when the sky turned deep blue, Henrik set down his cup and stood up. 'Well then, my friends,' he said softly. 'It is time.' He pulled on his thick cardigan. Then he began to climb the lighthouse's long, narrow stairs. Step by step.

At the very top of the lighthouse stood the great lantern. It was made of glass and brass and shone like a mirror. Henrik lit it gently. Pop. A warm, yellow light was born. The lantern began to turn, slowly. Vrrrrr. The big light swept out over the sea. Far, far away. It told the boats: here are the rocks, here we are, all is safe.

Then Henrik turned and walked back down the stairs. He opened the little door at the bottom. The wind whispered. The sea hushed. On the cliffs sat the seagulls, waiting for him. They looked up with bright, gentle eyes. 'Good evening, little friends,' said Henrik.

First, Henrik went to the very oldest gull. His name was Gustav. Gustav had grey feathers and was nearly as old as Henrik himself. 'Good evening, Gustav,' said Henrik. He stroked the soft feathers gently. Gustav closed his eyes. He sighed a small, contented gull-sigh.

Then Henrik went to the little gull chicks. They were fluffy and round like balls of down. They peeped quietly as Henrik bent down. 'Sleep well, little fluffs,' he whispered. He tucked them deeper into their soft nooks. They yawned. Tiny, tiny gull-yawns. Aaaah.