The assignment

This morning's fog had lifted by 8:00 am. I was convinced that no serious weakening of the structure had occurred but I had to be sure. And I did not want to be sure. The lighthouse overlooking my life sent out a light so that I might see. The keeper on duty wore weathered, cracked boots and pants that had lost their better days. His cap was clamped firmly on his head and his arthritic fingers itched for his morning cigar. Despite assurances about my strength only time would alleviate his misgivings.
"Take a sip of this."
" Make a tight fist, tighter, please."
" Heat akin to menopause symptoms will radiate and be gone in a flash."
"Take a deep breath and hold it" a disembodied voice spoke from above. And so I did.
My surfboard shifted back and forth in the humming tunnel and for a few seconds the light was lost. Over almost before it began the light that shone in darkness safely led me home.