“Arnoll, are you alright?” enquired Rio, he was worried of what is going to happen to them stranded in the ocean, but he hid his fear well.

“I’m alright, but I am scared,” replied a shivering Arnoll with a small treble. He was scared, cold, and depressed, Arnoll could not control these feeling any longer and started to wail out loudly. Rio consoled him telling that the rescue team is probably on their way and they will find them soon. Rio told Arnoll to take a nap saying by the time he woke up he would be safe with his parents, Arnoll who was already exhausted, obeyed and was soon asleep. Rio watched over Arnoll while he slept and kept an eye out for any signs of rescue boats so that he could signal their location. Rio spent hours waiting in vain. Rio made sure the Arnoll or his cat did not fall into the water while they slept, he also made sure he would not fall asleep, even though he could physically feel his eyes stinging with tiredness. Within the next hour Rio too fell asleep without realizing it.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Rio woke up with a start, his eyes blurry and his body stiff from sleeping on the float. The storm had passed, and the sky was clear, but something felt wrong. He quickly looked around—Arnoll was gone. His heart pounded as he scanned the area. The cat was still there, curled up in the spot where Arnoll had been.

Panic surged through Rio. "Arnoll!" he shouted, but there was no response. The waves were calm now, but Rio knew the sea could be dangerous. He looked around, desperately searching the water, hoping for any sign of his friend.

But there was nothing.

Rio’s stomach sank. He’d been so exhausted he hadn’t even realized he’d fallen asleep. Arnoll must have fallen into the water during the storm. The thought hit him like a punch to the chest. He was alone now, with nothing but the cat and the haunting silence of the empty sea. “Arnoll,” whispered Rio to thin air.