Survive

Seven

  Throb, throb, throb. Twinge, throb, pain. Feeling around in the dark, I could feel the sting of a hard blow, and the warmth of fresh blood. Did I die? Did that bitch finally kill me? No. If I was dead I wouldn't be bleeding. Great. I tried to open my eyes, but couldn't. They were swollen shut from whatever she hit me with. Or, I think she hit me, I can't really remember. I was laying down, wherever I was, and the floor felt cold and unforgiving.
"My daughter, why have you brought her here? And in such poor conditions?" A soft and strong voice filled my ears. She sounded like my mother back home.
"I had to. She was badly injured after jumping off Hang Man Cliff. She tried to kill herself, and I couldn't leave her there." God, it was her.
"It is good that you did, I have what we need to mend her wounds and heal her mentally.
I sense something more than physical injury with her."
"Very good, mother." I couldn't believe it, she had a mom here. What if she had a whole family? Siblings? A dad? Grandparents? But she told me she found the island first? Maybe they washed up like us. I still deeply despise her though.
"Wh-where am I?"
"My sweet child, you are deep within the jungle, among the hospitality of the native islanders."
"Islanders?"
"Yes. For generations, our people have inhabited this island, and we have been alone, until you and your friends washed upon the shore. We were not sure what to think at first, so we sent my daughter, Apele, to scout your camp, and ensure the safety of our community." It was all starting to come together now. Why she wanted us, or moreover me, gone.
"Mommy?" A smaller voice of a boy filled the room.
"Yes, Telo?" The woman replied.
"Who is she? Will she be ok?"
"Do not worry my son, she will heal fully and be fine. But I do not know her name, why don't you ask and make a new friend?"
"Mother, I don't think that's the-"
"Enough Apele. Telo can befriend these new strangers, he is my son, not yours."
"Yes, mother." I felt the small hand of the boy brush some hair out of my face, and feel my wounds. When I winced, he pulled away quickly, and apologized under his breath.
"I-I'm sorry," he said quietly, "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Don't worry about it, you're just curious." I assured him. Even though I couldn't see him, i could feel the gentle and genuine care on his face. He was nothing like his sister.
"My name is Telo, what is yours?"
"It's nice to meet you Telo," I held out a hand where I thought his voice was, "my name is Willow." He held my hand, but didn't shake it.
"Willow? Like the tree?"
"Exactly like the tree." I told him. He made me smile.
"It was nice to meet you too, Willow, but I have to go play with my friends now."
"You go do that Telo, have fun, ok?"
"Ok, Willow!" He shouted as he ran out the door. He reminded me so much of my brother. I miss Drew will all of my heart. My only, baby, brother.
"Willow?" The woman asked.
"Yes?"
"I would like to dress your wounds and ask a few questions."
"Yes, of course. Which do you want to do first?"
"I will dress your wounds first, make you some lunch, and then we can talk."
"Thank you so much, uhm...I don't know your name, miss."
"I am Meppele, but you can call me mom."
"Thank you, mom." Without another word, the sounds of shuffled movement filled the empty spaces. I could feel her pressing a cool and wet cloth on my wounds and face. It was oddly comforting, and reminded me of home. After a while of the cloth cleaning and pressing my injuries, I could feel bandages being wrapped around my limbs and torso. When she finished, Meppele broke the silence in a caring, sensitive voice.
"Willow. I sense there is more damage to you than just your physical wounds."
"Wh-what do you mean, mom?"
"I feel that there is something wrong up here," she gently tapped my forehead, "something severely strong and terrible."
"You mean my...my depression?"
"It must be that. No sane person I know would willingly jump off a cliff to end their life."
"I'm not sane, mother."
"I know. You need to talk to me. This is not a battle you can fight on your own."
"I miss my home. My family. My life. I didn't choose to be here."
"Things happen for a reason, Willow."
"Yes, I know, but...why? Why us? And why now? And why-" I had to stop thinking, my cuts and wounds throbbed sharply with pain.
"I may not understand, and I may never will, but you cannot let this battle, these demons win."
"Yes, mother."
"Get rest, you need it." She brushed my hair back, and left the room. Lying on my back, I soaked in what she had told me. My brain fogged, and I couldn't think. I couldn't understand. I didn't want to. I just laid there until I fell asleep. I can't take this world anymore.