Castaway Haven

THE RETURN

As soon as Louis and Harry landed at the hospital on Serenity Island—the very same island they had laid eyes on three months and three weeks ago—they were taken aback when a group of people hurried towards them.

Paramedics approached Johannah and Anne, requesting permission to care for the boys. Fear and worry instantly consumed Harry, causing him to tighten his grip on Louis' hand and draw closer to him. In response, Louis protectively wrapped an arm around Harry.

"Louis, Harry, I'm Doctor Mercer," a calm and composed man in his 40s introduced himself. His blonde hair was neatly combed, and he donned a white lab coat. His reassuring voice and collected demeanour helped alleviate some of the tension that had gripped Louis and Harry, although they remained steadfastly connected.

They were safe, both Louis and Harry reminded themselves. Those were professionals.

"We need to get both of you inside for a thorough examination," Doctor Mercer explained gently, watching the two boys carefully. "It's important to assess your condition. Can we do that?"

Harry and Louis exchanged worried glances, their eyes reflecting their shared understanding of the thoughts racing through their minds.

The sudden influx of people surrounding them after months of being stranded on a deserted island was overwhelming. It had only been a few hours since their rescue, although the exact duration remained uncertain, and the reality of no longer being on the island was still difficult to grasp.

During the helicopter flight, Harry had drifted off to sleep and abruptly awakened due to the noise and the swaying motion. Louis, sitting beside him, had immediately enveloped him in a comforting embrace, reassuring him that they had been rescued and were finally safe.

Harry hadn't anticipated being so profoundly shaken, but upon reflection, it made sense. On the island, the initial shock had gradually subsided, giving way to the demands of survival and instinct. Nevertheless, the impact on him, both mentally and physically, ran deeper than he had realised.

But now, their immediate priority was to receive medical attention from the paramedics to ensure their well-being after enduring the hardships of the island.

Exchanging a nod of agreement, Louis nodded on behalf of both of them to the paramedics and the doctor.

With Harry by his side, they could confront whatever lay ahead.

Johannah and Anne, their faces etched with worry, approached the boys. "We'll be right here, loves. Don't worry, everything will be fine," Johannah reassured Harry, her voice radiating motherly warmth, before embracing Louis. Anne echoed her sentiments, offering a reassuring smile to Louis before hugging Harry.

Reluctantly, Louis released his grip on Harry's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze before the paramedics gently helped Harry onto a stretcher. Louis followed closely behind, instinctively compelled to stay by Harry's side.

As they were wheeled through the bustling hospital corridors, Louis couldn't help but notice the hushed whispers and curious glances from the hospital staff.

News of their miraculous survival and subsequent disappearance had undoubtedly spread.

But in that moment, all Louis cared about was Harry's well-being.

Inside the examination room, to their relief, Louis and Harry were together. The medical team commenced their meticulous assessment, thoroughly checking for injuries or underlying complications.

Doctor Mercer attentively examined Harry's battered body, asking him questions about his pain levels and assessing his range of motion. Louis watched intently, his heart aching at the sight of Harry's discomfort. During a particularly recent rainy day on the island, Harry had sustained a severe injury from rocks in the forest, leaving his knee marked with dried blood and a gradually disappearing wound.