SOUL SNATCHERS

Chapter 13

Karl awakens alone inside the tent. He hadn't noticed that he had dozed off and had been asleep for several hours. As he sits up, his eyes scan the area, searching for something. When his gaze lands on his bag, he discovers what he was seeking. Swiftly, he grabs his cell phone and unlocks it. Checking the time, he realizes that he has slept for nearly two hours.

"Rose?" he calls out to his girlfriend as he rises to exit the tent. "Babe?" he calls out once more, but there is no response.

Karl swiftly emerges from the tent and calls out Rose's name once again. Stepping outside, he notices the absence of their friends from their respective tents as well. Karl scratches his head in confusion. Perhaps they have already ventured into the sea, basking in the beauty of the surroundings and the refreshing water. Maybe Rose is among them, enjoying a swim at the beach. They likely didn't wake him up due to his deep slumber.

Karl commences his journey towards the beach to search for his beloved Rose. Perhaps Vanessa and Agnes are also in their company. If he spots the three of them, he intends to speak with Agnes, as he has observed her avoiding him since their arrival on the island.

Karl suddenly recalled that Rose had mentioned her plan to find a location with a reliable network signal. This way, she could reach out to her parents and alleviate their concerns about her safety.

Under the scorching heat of the sun, he wandered in search of his beloved. He made several attempts to call or text Rose, but all of his efforts were in vain. Despite the relatively low population on the island, he was unable to locate his beloved Rose. Thoughts crossed his mind that she might have changed her plans, deciding to return to the hotel where they were staying with her family instead of staying on the island with him. However, Karl knew Rose well enough to believe she wouldn't do that or even consider it. She always meant what she said. Maybe his recent paranoia was getting the best of him. After all, she loved him deeply. Attempting to call her, he realized there was no network signal on the island. As the temperature skyrocketed to nearly forty degrees Celsius, Karl's tanned skin glistened with sweat. The sunburn on his shoulders caused discomfort. Although he noticed Mercy and Lourdes enjoying a swim in the refreshing seawater, he didn't feel at ease joining them. Instead, he decided to head back to the camp where Chantelle was busy cooking for the evening party.

Under an unfamiliar tree, Karl spotted Agnes and approached her with the intention of discussing certain issues relating to their friendship. Wearing dark sunglasses and holding a glass of iced tea, she was completely engrossed in her favorite novel, oblivious to Karl's presence.

"Hey," he said tentatively, hesitating to touch her or even smile. Startled, Agnes closed her book and hastily rose, ready to leave. Karl gently grasped her shoulder, urging her to stay.

"I think we need to have a talk," he asserted, his voice firm yet kind.

"There's nothing to talk about, Karl," she replied.

"But there is, and there are many things we must address for me to understand what's happening with you," he insisted. Agnes tried to free her arm from his grip.

"Please, let me go!" she pleaded. "You're hurting me."

"I won't let go unless you tell me what's going on!" he retorted, his voice now filled with anger. Drawing her closer, he compelled her to sit down. "You need to explain everything. Let's discuss this and find a resolution together!"

Agnes broke into tears, unable to meet Karl's gaze while he sat before her, attempting to console her.

"I'm sorry if I'm being rude. I just truly want to talk with you. It pains me to see you like this. You're my best friend, and there are so many things you keep from me. I don't know if I did something wrong that caused you to act so strangely, to the point where I don't even recognize you anymore," he said, his voice softening. Agnes kept her eyes fixed on the ground, tears shimmering.