Lost Lagoon

Chapter 6: Signs of Rescue?

The morning sun peeked through the canopy of leaves above, casting dappled patterns on the ground as Ling and Orm began another day on the island. The initial excitement of their escape had faded into a routine that felt both comforting and daunting. They had created a makeshift camp, their shelter a blend of palm fronds and branches, sturdy enough to shield them from the elements.

Ling gathered firewood, her mind buzzing with thoughts. The previous day's fleeting moment of hope still lingered. If only they could have been rescued then. But for now, the monotony of survival was their reality.

As they ventured deeper into the jungle, foraging for fruits and roots, Orm's soft voice cut through the silence. "Ling, do you think we'll be found soon?"

Ling paused, a knot forming in her stomach at the thought. "I don't know. We can't rely on luck. We need to be proactive."

Orm nodded, her blonde hair catching the light as she looked away, her expression contemplative. "Maybe we should start making signals. Something to catch their attention if a plane or boat passes by."

"Good idea," Ling replied, her mind racing. "We could gather more wood and make a large SOS sign on the beach."

As they worked together, Ling felt a sense of camaraderie blossom between them. The frustration of their situation had pushed them closer, a bond forged in adversity.

Later that afternoon, as they took a break, Ling and Orm sat on the sand, the sun warm on their skin. Orm leaned back, gazing up at the sky. Ling could feel the tension in the air, an unspoken connection simmering between them.

Suddenly, a distant roar broke the serene atmosphere. Ling's heart raced as she jumped to her feet. "Look!" she shouted, pointing to the horizon. "Is that a plane?"

Orm's eyes widened as she followed Ling's gaze. A small dot in the sky drew closer, and hope surged within them. They both waved their arms, yelling and shouting, desperate to catch the attention of the passing aircraft.

But as the plane soared overhead, reality crashed down around them. It continued on its path, oblivious to the two stranded girls below. Ling's heart sank as she dropped her arms, frustration boiling beneath her calm facade.

"Damn it!" Ling exclaimed, kicking the sand. "Why can't anyone see us?"

Orm placed a hand on Ling's shoulder, grounding her. "Maybe they didn't see us. We can try again. We need to keep hope alive."

Ling sighed, her anger dissipating as she glanced at Orm. The other girl's resilience was admirable, and for a moment, she was grateful for Orm's presence. "I know. It's just hard."

Orm nodded, her light brown eyes filled with understanding. "I feel it too. I keep thinking about my family... what they must be going through, wondering where I am."

Ling looked away, her heart tightening at Orm's vulnerability. "I didn't think about that. I didn't really think about anyone but myself before... well, before this."

"What do you mean?" Orm asked, curiosity in her tone.

"I was always so focused on being the life of the party, having fun, and not letting anyone get too close," Ling admitted. "I guess I thought it was easier that way."

Orm tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "You didn't want anyone to see the real you?"

Ling hesitated, the weight of her confession hanging in the air. "I guess so. I thought it would protect me, but now... it just feels lonely."

Orm smiled softly, her expression filled with warmth. "You're not alone anymore, Ling. We're in this together."

A silence fell between them, a comfortable pause where the unspoken feelings lingered in the air. Ling felt a stirring in her heart, a recognition of the connection growing between them.

"Speaking of being alone," Orm continued, breaking the moment, "I want to tell you something about Wachana."

Ling's heart sank at the mention of Orm's former friend. "I know she hurt you when she started dating me. I didn't mean for that to happen."

Orm shook her head, her gaze steady. "No, it's not your fault. I should have been honest with her about how I felt. I was too scared to admit I had feelings for you."

Ling's breath caught in her throat. "You had feelings for me?"

Orm's cheeks flushed as she nodded. "When we were friends, I admired you. But when Wachana started dating you, it felt like I lost both of you at once. I was angry and hurt."

Ling felt a rush of emotions, a mix of surprise and understanding. "I didn't realize. I thought you hated me."

"Not hate," Orm clarified, her voice softening. "More like jealousy. I wanted what you had, and I felt betrayed by Wachana."

Ling contemplated Orm's words, realizing how deeply the loss of their friendship had affected both of them. "I never wanted to come between you two. I didn't even know you had feelings for me."

Orm looked down at the sand, her fingers tracing patterns. "It's all so complicated. But being here, with you, I feel like I can be honest. There's something about this situation that makes me want to be real."

Ling felt her heart race at Orm's admission. "I want that too."

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow across the water, Ling and Orm made plans to create their signal. They gathered materials, laughter and camaraderie returning as they worked side by side.

That night, as they sat by the fire, the flames crackling between them, Ling couldn't shake the feeling that their bond had transformed. The vulnerability they shared opened the door to something deeper, and she found herself drawn to Orm in a way she had never expected.

"Tomorrow, we'll make that SOS sign," Ling said, her voice steady. "And we'll keep looking for signs of rescue."

Orm smiled, the warmth of their connection enveloping them. "Together."

Ling felt a flicker of hope ignite within her, the promise of what lay ahead shining brightly in the darkness. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, she knew they would face it together, side by side.