Lost In The Jungle

.113

"So how many people are here again?" Frank asked

"Two hundred and fifty three people sir" Drey said in the back of the ATV

"Oh wow" Frank smiled to himself watching the trees as we drove by, "I never knew"

I couldn't help but feel bad for Frank. He watched his family grow old and die while he stayed the same age. Then he had to live through everything Felix did.

Frank didn't even know anyone else was on the island until now. I guess it was a good thing we went out.

"You also mentioned you call them by numbers?" Franks asked curiously

I chuckled, "not anymore. Ever since me and Drey got here we called everyone by their names. Numbers just got to confusing" I explained

"Me and Dawn also got kidnapped with our other best friend Travis. Who you'll meet when we get to the camp" Drey piped up

I nodded, "everyone seemed to forget about the number system thing anyway. We finally convinced everyone to tell us their real names. But we don't use them if we're out in public. Away from the island I mean" I added

"The only guy we call by a number is Zero. Or Z for short" Ivy spoke up

"Ah I see" Frank nodded, "the numbers are for identity protection, correct?"

"You got it!" Drey said

Driving out of the woods. We were finally back on the beach. We didn't take the whole day like normally but, we were gone for quite a while.

Parking beside Blue. We all hopped out. Giving Frank time of course. To look around the beach and to get a firm grip on the sand.

"I haven't seen the ocean in quite sometime" Frank smiled

"You should see it at night" Blue spoke

"Does it still glow?" Franks eyes lit up

Blue nodded with a small smile. Frank let out a laugh and hit his cane against the sand. I wonder how long it's been since he's seen the ocean.

He said he hunted. He also caught shrimp. Maybe it was further down into a canal or a stream. Or he could have seen another side of the ocean. Nothing like this part though.

"May I see the camp?"

"Oh, of course" Blue turned to the side and walked with Frank while we all walked behind

Walking to the beach part we use. Full of boats, tents of supplies and gazebos everywhere. Frank stood for a moment to also take it in.

We didn't complain or say anything. We stayed silent and let him digest what he was seeing. This once was his home and now it looked completely different. Again.

Blue waved to some of the islanders as they passed by. Some looked over at us, but none dared to speak out. They only waved and acknowledged us, including Frank. To which Frank was shocked.

"We have grown a lot over the passed months. We get new people every shipment if we can" Blue explained to Frank

"I did not come on a boat though" he lightly chuckled

"Here on Hell's Island we make sure everyone is welcomed. No matter what you look like or your story. We take care of each other here" Blue explained throwing his hands in his pockets

Frank nodded, "you're a good leader Blue"

Blue smiled looking down. He didn't say anything knowing he wasn't the one to build this. Nor was he the one to make this all happen.