Survival Island

The Gathering

Once everyone met up at the base, I was forced to speak before proceeding with burrying Mina next to Jimmy. It had been a long walk back to my base and seeing everything we had worked to build being nothing but burnt and broken wood was really hope breaking. I had to keep everyone with hope because if one person gave up, others would follow and we wouldn't get off of the wretched island.

Jason had placed Mina down by the trees and everyone gathered off too the side a bit, where we all had slept the first night being together as a team. I could see Sage's guilt, sensing she remembered when I thought she was a scared little girl who needed to be sung to sleep. Looking at everyone I knew I had a personal time with each of them, even Sage. Besides the kids I didn't know too well yet, I even had moments with people like Aña and Julian which I'd always remember.

I was very grateful to Julian for coming back in for me, if he hadn't, I would have died along with Amanda and I wouldn't have been able to properly barry Mina. I made a fire in the middle and guilt flodded through me once more because as I was remembering all the ones with me here at this moment, I remembered those who hadn't lived long enough to be here in this moment.

As if sensing my guilt, Jason's arms wrapped around me in a hug and I laid my head back on his chest before gathering myself and turning to face the others. "There will be a service for those we have lost tonight and those who would like too attend, I will be barrying Mina next to her brother Jimmy who was also a young soul left on this terrible island." Tears threatened to spill from my mothers eyes as though it was directed towards her and it being her fault that we were all here.

No one spoke, even Sage didn't dare say a word as I spoke. "For those who won't be attending or only will be for a short amount of time, it will be a gathering to get to know each other better because I know we all don't know each other well and it will take time for us to begin to trust each other. At dawn we regroup and go over what exactly happened back there and then further plans for getting off of this island." With that I walked away, Jason in suit.

Many weren't sure what to do but most thought they needed to start getting to know each other since Mina barely talked to anyone but Jason, Ricky, and I. Those in attendance were Kole, his sister, Aña, Jason, Ricky, Matt, Liz, Amanda, Julian, Crystal, my mom, and myself. Randy stayed back to watch over everyone, mostly because I honestly wasn't sure if I trusted these kids just yet.

Jason dug the hole while I carried Mina, I wasnt sure why but I didn't really want anyone else handling her fragile little body. I kept repeating what went on that night and how she kept holding my hand and trying to get me to leave and realized she has tried to put something in my hand. I looked down at her fragile fingers that were sticking out from under the guard shirt and realised there was something in her grip.

Without trying to disturb her even though I knew she wouldn't feel me doing it more or less, I carefully pulled the item out before placing her down into the tiny hole made for her. I quickly placed the item in my pocket before stepping back as those who came, gathered around her for a final goodbye. I fought hard to keep the tears inside with so many enemies present but one managed to escape and I quickly wiped it away before walking away. Jason hadn't noticed because he was shoveling, but I felt a hand on my shoulder once I was far enough away to see Sage.

"If you seriously came to try and fight me over rulership right now Sage I sware I will not hold back, this is not the time." I angrily said but she shook her head and I only then noticed the sorrow in her eyes. "No, no, that's not it at all. I-I have come to tell you that I am no longer going to fight you for leadership, it is all yours. You are the true leader and I can see that through the way you capture everyone's attention when you speak, I will back down for good."