Lost Lagoon

Chapter 3: Survival Instincts

The shock of their situation had faded just enough for Ling and Orm to start thinking clearly, but the hunger gnawing at their stomachs was a relentless reminder that they couldn't survive on frustration alone. As Ling scanned the surroundings, her mind flickered with memories of survival shows she'd watched halfheartedly at her family's estate—though she'd never once imagined needing to use that knowledge.

"What now?" Orm's voice cut through Ling's thoughts, tense with uncertainty.

"We need to find fresh water and food. Shelter too, before nightfall," Ling replied, trying to sound confident.

Orm nodded, but skepticism flickered in her eyes. "You seem oddly prepared for this."

Ling shot her a cocky grin. "You'll be surprised. I might be a little wild, but I pay attention. Let's split up and search for supplies. That is, if you're up for it, bookworm?"

Orm rolled her eyes, brushing off the jab. "Fine. But let's keep each other in sight, okay?"

They combed through the beach, checking for anything useful that had washed ashore from the yacht. Finally, they came upon a half-crushed cooler bobbing in the surf. Inside, they found a few water bottles and a single granola bar, their first victory.

"Well, not much, but it's a start," Ling remarked, tossing the granola bar in her hands.

"We'll need to ration everything. We don't know how long we'll be here," Orm said, snapping the bar in half and offering one piece to Ling.

Ling raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Didn't know you could be so practical, Kornnaphat."

Orm shrugged, taking a small bite. "It's common sense, Kwong. Not everything's a game."

As they continued searching, they stumbled upon a freshwater stream hidden by dense palm trees. Their relief was palpable, and they eagerly refilled their water bottles, the cool water a small blessing in the suffocating tropical heat.

After a few more hours, they had pieced together a rudimentary shelter using large palm fronds and sticks they'd found scattered across the beach. Ling, though more experienced with outdoor skills than Orm, was surprisingly patient, guiding Orm in tying the fronds together, sharing a rare moment of cooperation.

"See? Not so bad working together," Ling teased as they finished.

"Don't push it," Orm replied, but a faint smile betrayed her amusement.

As the sun dipped lower, their hard work began to take a toll. With no luck finding food other than the granola bar, their hunger grew sharper, and exhaustion began setting in.

Just then, they heard rustling from behind a cluster of bushes. Ling instantly crouched low, signaling for Orm to do the same. They watched as a small group of tropical birds pecked at the ground nearby.

"Dinner," Ling whispered, determination flashing in her eyes.

Orm looked horrified. "You're going to...kill one?"

Ling gave a quiet chuckle. "Survival, remember?"

After a few unsuccessful attempts (and a lot of whispered bickering), Ling managed to catch one of the birds. Orm couldn't hide her discomfort as Ling prepared their meal, but hunger eventually won out, and she took her share of the cooked meat.

In the dim firelight, an unexpected silence settled between them. The vastness of the ocean stretching out beyond the shore, paired with the quiet crackling of the fire, somehow brought a momentary peace.

Orm broke the silence. "I was supposed to spend this summer doing internships, working on projects...instead, I'm out here with you." There was a faint bitterness in her voice.

Ling smirked. "Hey, it could be worse. At least you're stuck with someone who knows how to catch dinner."

Orm chuckled despite herself, meeting Ling's gaze. "I guess so."

As they finished their meal, the fire cast long shadows on the sand, and they watched it flicker until the flames died down. They realized that despite the odds, they'd made it through their first day on the island, both changed, however slightly, by the challenge.

But as Orm lay awake, staring up at the stars, she wondered how long they could keep up this fragile peace. Would the uneasy alliance they'd formed in the face of survival last once the initial shock wore off? Or would their clashing personalities tear them apart in the days to come?