P writes…

Possible spoiler, sorry, but am so curious.
I couldn't help noticing the repeated reference to a small "wet dark round head" throughout the story. I also think that Algy's mistreatment of the seals is no coincidence. I think the explanation coming from the various minor characters is a red herring. I love Scottish sea legends, shared among Faroese and Icelandic cultures. Perhaps you might "seal" what I am referring to…? Or even "kelpie" me to understand?

Michelle Replies…

Thank you for this.  I share your love of sea legends with Scandinavian roots, and I can see how your suspicions have arisen.  However, as regards settling things for you one way or the other, I’m afraid I’m not going to do that.  You see, I think it’s important when one’s writing a supernatural story to keep things ambiguous: to leave room for individual readers’ interpretations; and over the years since I wrote Dark Matter, I have come to learn that these can vary hugely.  In short, there is no right or wrong interpretation.  There is only your own interpretation; that’s what counts.  I hope you won’t find that too annoying vague, and I’m sorry that I can’t be more definite.  But thank you for raising such an interesting point.  With best wishes, Michelle.  P.S.  No worries about spoilers; I took the liberty of  slightly editing your message by deleting a couple before I posted it.