Shipwrecked (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Eighteen

As much as it pains you to do so, you choose to leave Ringo sulking by himself. After all, John said this kind of thing happens all the time, so how is this time any different? Paul takes your hand and smiles.

"That's my girl," he murmurs, playfully nibbling on your ear.

You giggle foolishly and allow yourself to be led away. John skips ahead, acting like a total buffoon. George ambles along behind with his head ducked and hands in pockets. You and Paul are strolling together in the rear.

"This isn't so bad, is it, dear?" Paul says. "It's nice to be away from all the press and public."

"I'll say," you reply. "And I always said I wanted an island getaway."

Paul laughs. "Well, here you go!"

"Hey lads!" John calls from far ahead in the distance. He makes wild gestures, indicating for you to hurry and look.

"What is it?" George asks, running to John's side.

"Is something wrong?" Paul asks, dragging you along behind him.

"Look down there!" John hisses. He points down to something at the bottom of the sand dune you're all standing on.

You look... and nearly pass out from shock. There, spread out in front of you in vast numbers, is a crowd of huge crabs, all about the size of beachballs! They're scuttling around aimlessly, snapping their claws so vigorously that the air is full of continuous clicking.

"Crabs!" you say quietly. "Hundreds and hundreds of them!"

"Yuck, they sure are creepy!" says Paul, pulling a face.

"Guys, look closer!" George hisses urgently. "It's Ringo!"

"Where?"

"There!"

George points to a stake set up in the middle of the crab mass. Ringo is tied to it with a matted old piece of rope. He looks absolutely terrified and on the brink of tears.

"I knew we shouldn't have left him alone!" you groan. "This is all your guys' fault!"

"Hey, don't blame us!" says John.

"Who should I blame, then?" you snap. "The Sandman?!"

"Hey, hey! Stop the arguments!" George orders. "We need to save Ringo! Does anyone have a plan?"

There's a brief pause.

"I think I have two plans," you announce grandly.

"Go on!" says George. "Let's hear 'em!"

If you choose to fight the army of irritable crabs, go to Nineteen.

If you choose to use tact and ninja-worthy stealth, go to Twenty.