Neither the Sea Nor the Sand

Anna Robinson relocates to Jersey to sort out her life after separating from her husband. She seeks a fresh start and independence away from her previous relationship. This move sets the stage for her later encounter with Hugh. The calm of Jersey contrasts with the turmoil she carries.

During a walk, Anna meets Hugh Debernon and a relationship begins to form. His presence brings a sense of interest and danger, as Hugh's religious brother George disapproves. Anna is drawn into a complicated romance that challenges her independence. The dynamic introduces tension with George.

George vehemently disapproves of Anna's relationship with Hugh, warning of consequences. He views Anna as meddling in dangerous matters and suspects trouble. The family fault lines widen as Anna tries to navigate Hugh and George's stern beliefs. The tension foreshadows the supernatural elements to come.

During a vacation in Scotland, Anna questions whether their relationship is a true romance or a mere affair. Hugh reassures her that their bond is real and declares his love. The atmosphere shifts from romance to doubt as she contemplates commitment. The trip sets up the later crisis.

On a beach in Scotland, Hugh suddenly collapses and dies, and a local doctor pronounces him dead. Anna is overwhelmed by grief and refuses to accept his loss. The scene marks the first turn toward the uncanny that will define the story. Her world starts to tilt as she questions reality.

During the night, Hugh miraculously returns, leaving Anna overjoyed and convinced the doctor erred. He seems present but something about him has changed, and the relief is tempered by unease. The revival deepens the mystery and foreshadows a darker turn.

On the trip back to Jersey, Hugh is silent and stares at Anna, signaling a shift in their relationship. Anna notices a new, troubling distance as he avoids conversation and seems preoccupied. The return voyage deepens the strain between them and plants the seeds of doubt.

Back in Jersey, George insists Hugh is dead and accuses Anna of conjuring an evil spirit to possess his corpse. He attempts to prove his theory by burning Hugh's hand, escalating the tension between belief and denial. Anna clings to her version of events, continuing to hide the truth from others. The conflict marks a push toward the supernatural confrontation.

Hugh begins to communicate with Anna telepathically and seems willing to go along with George's exorcism plan. The idea of a priest and an exorcism catalyzes the further strain between Anna and reality. Anna's desperation to be with Hugh drives her deeper into denial.

While traveling to see a priest, Hugh forces George off the road and George plummets over a cliff to his death. Anna preserves the secret, torn between the truth and her need to be with Hugh. The loss of George removes a critical skeptic and intensifies the peril surrounding Anna.

Local authorities inform Anna and Hugh of George's death, while Anna continues to hide the truth about Hugh. She eventually reveals that Hugh died in Scotland and presents a death certificate to maintain the lie. The facade strains as people grow suspicious. The web of deception tightens around Anna.

Hugh's presence becomes increasingly aggressive as the truth threatens to surface. Collie Delamare, a friend of Hugh, senses something is off and offers comfort to Anna. He begins to suspect that Anna is not telling the whole truth. The mounting tension hints at an impending tragic choice.

Collie follows Anna along the beach and witnesses her walk into the sea with Hugh, implying they intend to vanish together. He sees a final alignment between Anna and the supposed dead lover. The final phase of the tragedy unfolds as the sea becomes the stage for their union.

In a climactic moment, Anna accepts the union with Hugh and walks into the sea to perish with him. The act seals the supernatural tragedy at the story's close. The sea swallows both, leaving questions about reality and choice.