The situation was certainly getting intense. Right as Daniel said that sentence, silence fell. Anna was directly staring at Dan whilst Lucas was still wondering whether he’s joking or not. He looked surprised nevertheless.

Daniel, however, didn’t waste any moment and proceeded with the story:

“So, it all happened 7 years ago when I was 9. I was staying home with my Dad when we heard news that my Mom was in a bad condition and was taken to an hospital. My Dad, obviously, didn’t take it well and instantly booked some tickets to go to her; since she lived on another city. I was still confused about what was really going on and all I remember is my father being agitated. He was all around the place.

Anyhow, without any further ado we, immediately took the flight. It wasn’t my first time on an airplane so I was pretty accustomed with it. My Dad was perturbed during the entirety of the flight. Then the unbelievable happened. I don’t actually remember per se what really occurred, but I just know that I found myself on an island with my Dad trying to wake me up. He was frustrated beyond belief. I recall not being afraid at all, I was rather calm. My only problem was that I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t let out words for some reason, so I just kept nodding.

My Dad, despite his behavior, gave me a certainty. He instructed me to not panic cause they’d eventually get out of there. Then he continued telling me the stuff that I firstly told you guys. About building a fire, waiting for a ship and finding food.

All appeared to be going well and so he decided to waste no more time and went to search some stuff. Right after that, however, a ship spotted me and came on shore to rescue me. I was immobilized and couldn’t answer any of their questions. They looked around the shore and in no time we were sailing again. I had been rescued, but alas; my Dad was forgotten. It was all a dream for me.

When I got back and slowly recovered myself, I went to give a testimony and told them that I was there with my father. But they didn’t believe me and thought I was being delusional so that case was concluded. On top of that, my Mom hadn’t made it so she died.

So that’s where my fear of airplane derives from. I’m not scared of the flight per se, more of the dread that I might get lost again and perhaps this time not getting rescued.

But, that’s why we have to be diligent and not slack. We’re gonna make it out trust me.”

Everyone fell silent yet again. After a while, Anna came and gave me a hug. It was well worth it.

“That’s my deepest secret. Not that I’m ashamed whatsoever, but it felt good to let it out.

I think we’ve had enough for tonight, what about tomorrow night we listen to someone else’s story and let’s make it a routine.” said Daniel.

“I strongly agree.” replied Lucas.

“I’m in.” said Anna.

They slept through the night like nothing had happened, but they knew a new bond was created that evening.

The next day started well. They were taking turns on covering the fire and checking for any ships while the rest went to take essentials. Anna pretty much stood with the fire all the time but she often reluctantly agreed to swap roles. On their free time they tried inventing new games just to pass the time and it worked for them.

Whilst they were playing a game, Dan suddenly stopped at was staring at a tree that he hadn’t noticed before. He was strongly glaring at it until Lucas made him turn into his normal senses. But the evening soon came yet again. And they knew what that stood for.

They all gathered around the campfire and tonight was Lucas’ turn.

“Okay, I don’t really know where to start from.” began Lucas. “And certainly, after listening to Dan’s story I feel overwhelmed but I too have got something.

When I was 7, my stepdad at the time, brutally murdered my sister. She was only 15 back then and apparently had been disobedient. I don’t really know the reason but I remember him incriminating me for that. Mom was at work and it was just the three of us at home. He convinced everyone that I did it and made my Mom abandon me. Soon after that I was sent at an orphanage. Luckily, I got adopted by my current family and they have always been kind to me. But the thing is that I always have double-thoughts about everything due to that experience. That’s why it’s hard for me to trust someone. After that act of yours yesterday though, I felt confident on sharing this. I haven’t told anyone yet for the reason of being looked at.”

“That’s fucked up.” said Daniel. “How can you even cope with it?”

“Eh, you grow to accept it. The only thing I’m upset about is Mom. I haven’t heard about her since forever and I just hope she’s doing well.” replied Lucas.

“You have to tell the police what really happened.” said Anna. “You can’t let that bastard get away with it. Do it for you Mom and most importantly for you sister.”

“Yeah, I’ll think about it.” responded Lucas. “I think I’ll call it a night guys. See you.”

“Good-night” replied both.

That was a strange night. When Daniel had first met Lucas in his school, he wouldn’t have ever believed that this was really what he had been hiding all this time. It’s curious how people spectacularly hide stuff. But in a way, he really felt attached to Lucas after this, he could relate in a way. Now it was Anna’s time. He was eager to know more about her.

The proceeding day went smoothly yet again. They were getting the hang of it and it didn’t sound too bad to pass even more time in there if necessary.

The day, however, seemed to be getting by slowly. They did the usual but it was starting to get boring at times. Then they agreed on the other day to go and have a better look deeper into the forest. This first came at a surprise when Lucas suggested it, but after a while they all saw sense to it.

Nonetheless, evening had landed. And they again knew what that meant.

Anna cleared her throat and began:

“I’ve been thinking on whether or not to be honest with you guys. Cause frankly, we didn’t have that much of a friendship before all of this and I agreed to the whole summer-camp-thing mainly because of Noah and Rachel.”

She fell silent for a bit then proceeded.

“However, after your forthrightness, I have decided to be righteous. So..”

She didn’t get to finish her story cause some sounds came from the forest. They were getting closer and closer until a half-naked man appeared out of nowhere.

We were all startled and for the first time scared. Not necessarily from him, but by him. If a wild animal had come, it would’ve been understandable; if a human in our similar conditions had appeared, it would’ve been fine. But he looked like he had been here for ages. He was unshaved, looked like an indigene and imitated monkey-like moves. It was creepy. Regardless of this, he kept getting closer. Taking small steps; until he got somewhere near us.

“Are you guys lost as well?” said the stranger in completely fine English.

Now, that was weird.

“Y-yes.” replied Lucas.

“How long have you been here for?” continued the man.

“It’s only our third day here. We were on a flight to a summer camp and we got hit by a tornado and somehow we ended up here. Peculiarly enough, it’s only the three of us, there’s no sign of other people.” said Daniel.

“Don’t give out everything Dan.” intervened Anna.

“Wait, Dan?” said the stranger. “It reminds me of my son’s name, Daniel.”

Now everyone was in silence, for real. The man was the one staring at them this time around.

“What’s up?” said the stranger.

“D-dad? Is that really you?” replied Dan.

“There’s no way. I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Are you telling me that this is the same island?”

“It appears to be like it. The last thing I remember is leaving you to go seek some food and then coming back and not finding you anymore. I thought some animals had eaten you or something. What even happened?”

“I got rescued by a ship as soon as you left me. I tried letting them know about you, but I couldn’t let the words out. I’m so sorry Dad.”

“Oh it’s alright don’t worry. What about your Mom though, did she make it out?”

Silence fell yet again and he got the message. They proceeded hugging and went on discussing further.

Days went by quicker now. Dan’s Dad had taught them everything he knew and they were hanging better than ever. He told them about all the nitty-gritty’s of the island and how apparently the island itself wasn’t that big. In a day or so they could make it to the other part of the shore. But they ultimately agreed to remain on solely that part they’d been staying this whole time since they were used to it. His Dad was reluctant at first but seemed to come to terms at last.

Weeks were getting by without any luck and they were starting to get worried. To relieve the mood, Daniel’s Dad made them interested on the core of the island. He said that it’s previous camp was set there and he had some valuable things that would come in handy.

After Lucas had told him about the crush Dan had on Anna, he decided to take Lucas with him and leave the two of them there. Daniel was flustered at first but soon agreed.

Days went by and they were starting to get worried. Dan could feel the nervousness on Anna but didn’t comment on it. He suggested on going to check but after seeing that Anna was unenthusiastic about it he decided on the contrary.

Out of the blue, they saw a ship. It was a miracle for them at that point. This time around, Anna was the telling him to go and find them as she’d tell them to wait for his arrival. He rapidly went on his way. Strangely enough, it didn’t take him much to find Lucas. But that wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. Lucas had neither of his arms and he was missing a leg. His left ear wasn’t there and he seemed absent. After a couple of tries, Lucas finally reacted.

“Oh my God, at last.” said Lucas. “You have to escape right now, your Dad is a psychopath. He thinks he can find a way to bring back your Mom with the power of the island but he needs sacrifices first. He started with me but he’ll get to you guys too. You don’t have time; FLEE!”

“Wait, what!?” replied Dan. “Are you kidding me? I’d never leave you here. What about the promise you made? You’re gonna tell everyone about your secret.”

“Screw that! It doesn’t matter to me anymore, it wouldn’t change anything anyways. I’m happy I got to confess it to you guys and I’m more than happy. My only concern is about Mom, anything else is pointless at this point. Even if I make it out alive, I’m in no condition to recover, I barely talk and I’m using my last breath to warn you.”

Daniel was still perplexed. Lucas, however, out of nowhere headbutted him and Dan fell on a near bush. Dan’s Dad made his entrance and started cutting off the other leg Lucas had left. Daniel was looking at that horror without doing anything. Then after a while when his Dad was done, he slowly slid and left.

When he got back to the shore, Anna and two sailors.

“So, where are the rest?” asked Anna.

Silence fell and after a while Dan replied:

“L-let’s g-g-go.”

He couldn’t get the words out of his mouth. This time around he was terrified, he couldn’t believe what he had seen. He didn’t want to believe it.

“What happened!?” screamed Anna.

Dan didn’t even look at her.

“Remember the night when I was about to tell you my secret. Screw that, it’s irrelevant now. I have a bigger one. I lied that night. I wasn’t going to the camp mainly for Rachel and Noah, it was because of you. I really like you but I was too stupid to admit it. So please, tell me what is going on.” said Anna.

Dan’s whole face lit up and he felt something he had never felt before. He was genuinely happy but at the same time he knew he wasn’t being honest.

He quickly stopped the sailors and told them everything he knew. They were asked to get on board while they’d gather other people.

They were on the board now, holding hands and soon after they got news that his father killed a sailor and ended his own life with the words:

“I’m on my way towards you, my dear.”

Lucas unfortunately hadn’t made it out alive but they promised they’d finish the job for him.

They also came to an agreement to never take flights again.

FIN