After some time, Niekro returns with an arm full of an assortment of tropical fruits ranging from bananas, mangoes, kiwi, and plantains.
Oh, thank you so much. I say.
He nods.
The first fruit I grab is a banana; I eat the banana in thankfulness.
Oh, that hit the spot. I say.
Adam and Lawson grab some fruit as well.
I am tired. I tell them.
I lay upon the cold, hard ground of the cave. As I drift off into bliss, during my sleep I dream of my daughter, Lily, coughing in my arms, she coughs up oceanwater and then screams, the scream is bloodcurdling. I wake up in tears and sweat.
Adam!
He jumps from the ground we are sleeping on.
Yes? What dear?
I had a nightmare of Lily, she was in my ar ---
Shh. He hushes me.
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It was just a nightmare, it's going to be okay.
I know but it was all so real.
I know, but try to go back to sleep, it's okay. He soothes me.
I drift back to sleep. Then, I wake up to the morning sky with birds flying around the cave, beautiful sky, fresh air.
Today is going to be a good day. I think to myself.
Lawson! Adam! Time to get up! I shout in a sing-song voice.
The boys awake to the smell of the fresh air and beauties of the island. Niekro!
The scaly beast jumped up from the cold, hard ground.
Well, you seem to be in a good mood, dear. Adam says.
Well, you must make the best of what is to come. I reply.
We are stuck here after all. Lawson mutters.
Now, honey, you know that kind of enthusiasm will get you nowhere. I say.
Now, let's get down to the beach and start gathering supplies. I alert them.
We head down towards the beach. After we get there, Lawson stretches. Niekro immediately starts gathering supplies.
OK, now, let's find some firewood, more fruit, and anything else you guys can find. I command.
Look, over there! Firewood! Adam says.
Let's go get it! I say.
We pick up the firewood and started to carry it back to the cave.
OW! My nail! It broke! I scream in furious pain.
Seriously? Lawson says.
Yes! It hurts bad. I say.
I know it will be okay. I may have exaggerated come to think of it. Niekro picks up what he has gathered from things ranging from wood and sticks. After hiking across the forest and back up to the cave, we settle down and start another fire.
Dad?
Yes?
Do you think we will ever get to go home again?
I don't know, bud.
I am still trying to figure out why it had to be my family? I suppose we have the worst luck. I grab a piece of fruit from the pile of food. I sink my teeth into another banana. It is so sweet and nourishing.