Paradise

Chapter 2: The Young Leader

The evening wind on the island was humid and tense. The people had just found out that there was no contact. We had no contact with the outside world whatsoever. There was plenty of panic to go around at that moment. All 180 or so people had gathered by the boat when the sun was setting to hear the updates.

After the burial, I'd sat and talked to Elle for a few hours. We'd both had sisters. We'd both lost them. So there was already a lot in common.

Most of the scavengers had come back empty handed but a small group of adults had found a few mangos and bananas. Typical island fruit.

The mango was sweet and ripe, juice ran over my fingertips as I popped the tiny pieces into my mouth along with some bread from the boat. We planned to save our resources, or so they said.

Night fell around the island and the Captain, crew and a few others gathered around a small fire for a meeting. For some reason, I was invited into the small gathering. Maybe burying bodies was an important job?

"So" the Captain started "We three things, a name, a system and a leader, maybe two leaders"

A member of the crew spoke up next. "A young leader, and an older one"

I looked at the flames, their coloured dances, tickling the air with their bright fingers.

"Her. And the Captain"

I looked up. A member of the crew, a man, dark skinned and muscular had his finger pointed at me.

"Me?"

The captain nodded in agreement.

"Your name?"

"Arden."

"Arden, you are now a leader of this community, take it seriously"

I nodded, not wanting to question the leader.

"Now a name, for this island, any ideas?"

There was a silence, a thoughtful quiet with puzzled faces.

My mouth moved before I could stop it. "Paradise. Maybe it isn't exactly but it'll get people thinking better of the island"

People murmured in agreement.

"paradise it is. We will come up with the rest tomorrow, sleep now."