The crossing without a companion

Text: an original contemporary personal-account-style practice extract.

At the harbour, my father handed me the ticket and stayed behind the yellow line. The ferry was still beside the quay, ropes drawn tight between its deck and the shore. I had crossed the channel with my family before, but this time the empty seat opposite me seemed to have been saved for the person I had not brought.

When the engines started, the windows trembled. I kept my eyes on the harbour buildings as they slipped away, counting each one until the last red roof disappeared. A child near the stairs laughed at something I could not see. I nearly turned to ask what had happened, then remembered there was nobody beside me to answer.

Halfway across, the sea looked less like a view and more like the whole journey. I took the ticket from my pocket, although it had not changed. On the other side, I stepped onto the quay before the other passengers had gathered their bags. I had arrived alone; that did not mean I had felt alone for every minute.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader.

In your answer, consider:

• language features and techniques
• structural techniques
• the effect on the reader.

Support your views with detailed reference to the extract.