Revenge of the Island

Episode 21: Recap

Back at the cabin, the group gathers on the deck, doing their best to relax, though the tension is palpable. Axel and Chef stand guard nearby, ever alert, while Damien stays close to them, still shaken by recent events. On the deck, Caleb leans forward, breaking the silence. "So... what happened since we last saw you, man?" he asks Raj gently.

Raj scratches his head, looking a bit lost. "Uh, well, my memory's kinda fuzzy, you know? Think I took a bit of a head knock. I remember a lot of running, though. That much I know for sure," he says with a chuckle, though it lacks his usual energy.

Bowie pulls Raj into a hug, surprising everyone with his openness. "We missed you, Raj. We all did," Bowie says, his voice thick with emotion. His usual composure is gone; the relief of seeing Raj alive has made him vulnerable, something the others aren’t used to seeing.

Raj smiles, patting Bowie’s back. "It’s fine, seriously. I get it. I’d want to leave this place too, if I could," he says, gesturing around them. He sounds genuine, but there’s something off, something vacant in his eyes.

Caleb frowns slightly. "What happened after… well, after MK took you?" he asks cautiously, choosing his words carefully.

Raj tilts his head, a puzzled expression crossing his face. "What are you talking about?"

Julia jumps in, thinking he didn’t hear. "He’s asking what happened right after MK… you know, grabbed you off that vine."

Raj chuckles, the confusion deepening. "I don’t know what you’re all on about. I actually spoke with MK just yesterday. She’s doing well," he says, smiling as if nothing is wrong.

The group falls silent, exchanging worried glances. Caleb speaks up, voicing the confusion. "Wait… what?"

Wayne steps forward, looking at Raj carefully. "Rajie, bro, you’re acting kinda… off."

Raj blinks at him, looking slightly offended. "Off? Naw, I’m serious. I’m fine. Nobig prong." his speech goes slow and slurred towards the end, making everyone even more confused.

"Nobig prong?" Caleb echoes, his brow furrowing as he glances at the others. Raj’s words start slurring, his previously clear responses now disjointed and nonsensical. Bowie scoots closer to Raj, "Raj, are you okay?" he questions, visable confusion and worry clear on his face. "Yes, Zee, I told you, I'm all good."

Bowie’s eyes narrow as he leans back. "Zee?"

Julia stands, feeling a sense of urgency. "I’m gonna go get Chef." She steps off the deck, and Caleb nods quickly in agreement.

Wayne moves closer, trying to reach his friend. "Raj, seriously, what’s going on with you?"

Raj waves him off, laughing a little too hard. "Chill, bro! I’m totally fine."

The group is shaken, the dread settling deeper. Raj was himself just moments ago. Now, he’s slipping into incoherence, as though he’s caught between worlds. The realization dawns on them all: whatever happened to Raj on the island might not be over.