When she saw them once more, they were together—’Possum gripping the boy tightly, and keeping afloat with one hand.  The skiff was drifting down towards them.  Aileen grasped an oar and tried to bring it closer, loathing the helpless ignorance that made her efforts awkward. Close—closer, but still too far.  She thrust the oar towards them, leaning over the side.  It was too short.