Stranded Love

Unexpected Proximity

DAY ELEVEN

It took Kiara the entirety of day nine and ten to finally revert back to her normal headstrong self.

Day nine consisted of her relaxing by the fire and trying to rehydrate herself whilst also attempting to nibble on berries. Despite her protests, the Pogues had collectively agreed that Kiara could have the stores of rainwater in case the coconut water was too much for her to handle. Without telling anyone, Sarah managed to climb a smaller tree and knock down some bananas – fair to say John B gave her an earful and JJ made a comment of how he's rubbing off on her. Kiara ate one of them, although she only managed to eat half before she gave Pope the rest. She was hungry but couldn't stand to eat a lot or she feared she'd undo all the progress she made if she threw up. That morning and night she stayed away making a windchime out of sticks and bark strips whilst the Pogues ate fish that JJ had speared and crabs that Cleo had stabbed. Kiara returned JJ's shirt that evening.

The start of day ten saw her appetite beginning to return. Kiara managed to eat most of her breakfast serving which comprised of berries and bananas – she wasn't quite ready to eat fish yet as she assumed that's what made her ill. At least her nose didn't wrinkle at the smell of it. But that night she took a leap and consumed some of JJ's freshly caught Snapper and woke up with regained faith when she didn't feel like shit.

So with her energy restored and new life having been born within her, Kiara wants JJ to teach her how to hunt.

"Hey, J." The Carrera girl gently taps JJ with the butt of her spear. He's got his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth as he tries to unsuccessfully make a fish hook out of a washed up piece of metal. His attention is swiftly removed from the task to peer upward at Kiara. "You up for teaching me how to hunt?"

His eyes light up and he abandons the mutilated metal that he's been trying to bend. "Buckle up, Kie. You're about to be taught by the master." She rolls her eyes.

JJ bears the widest grin and gathers his spear which rests against a post of the shelter. He doesn't say a word as he leads them to the hunting spot, practically bouncing with excitement.

Kiara doesn't know what egged on her sudden change of heart. She still isn't 100% sure if she'll be able to kill an animal but she needs to do something. After being useless for three days, the girl wants to help out. She wants to lessen the burden on JJ, and even though he enjoys spearing fish, with John B occasionally helping him out, Kiara wants to assist in providing for the Pogues.

Even if she isn't ready to actually kill anything, learning how to do it will be valuable especially if JJ somehow goes down. Fuck, she doesn't want that to happen. She wishes she didn't think it.

Kiara follows JJ down the treaded path they take whenever he goes to spear fish in the morning and evening. It's just them and she loves it but she's missed it as she didn't join him during her days sick. It's nice to be somewhere else rather than just the beach where they set up shop. Somewhere else just with JJ.

JJ still takes subtle checking glances over his shoulder to make sure she's alright and keeping up. Kiara definitely notices this and smiles down to herself every time.

Not that he's been looking but JJ perceives that Kie's hair is beginning to streak with lighter strands, most likely from the sun. Her curls bounce and her face looks much more alive than it has in recent days. JJ isn't as high-strung now knowing that she's okay and eating. He really wasn't in a good state with her being unwell.

As if she's on the same wavelength as him, she comments, "your hair has gotten a lot lighter." Her steps meet his stride as she now walks beside him, the flatter landscape allowing her to. She flicks a glance up at his blond mop.