Ralph Unda has never been the same since the disappearance of his only daughter. Disturbed for some time by the death of a seagull, the young woman takes her father’s boat out one evening to photograph the sunset. Later, the Coast Guard returns with the vessel, but no Georgia.

As the lighthouse keeper for Boston Light, Unda is in a prime location to keep watch. He’s a common sight on Little Brewster Island—a solitary figure gazing through binoculars, waiting for her to return from the dark, turbulent water.

I see the circular beam of the tower light and it stares back at me with accusation…cold orb of its eye piercing through the saline haze of summer twilight…my little girl…my Georgia…do you hear me?…forgive me…forgive me…

The puzzle of Georgia’s disappearance comes to light through multiple perspectives: Unda, a man overcome with guilt and despair, the Greek chorus of townspeople who witnessed her stormy life and Unda’s devotion, Georgia’s haunting pleas traveling over the horizon, and the songs and ancient stories that keep Unda tethered to the living.

A stunning meditation on innocence, attachment, and grief, THE VIGIL tells a timeless tale of mental struggle and acceptance. Written in beautiful, captivating prose, this story swirls with the mysteries and depths of the sea, and with aching resonance for anyone who has ever loved absolutely, beyond the limits of time and space.

We’ll show you the covers for all of the novellas in early October! We’re thrilled to be publishing this great story by an unforgettable voice next February.

Peter J. Dellolio has published three poetry collections: A Box Of Crazy Toys, Bloodstream is the Illusion of Rubies Counting Fireplaces, and Rollercoasters Made of Dream Space. His writing has appeared in magazines and journals, including poetry, fiction, one-act plays, and film criticism. He graduated from NYU and lives in Brooklyn, New York.