The Revenge of Nature

The Revenge of Nature

Elle-Jade, Aidan, Sarah and Sam were all sitting in Aidan’s van on the way to Kimberly Forest Park. Elle-Jade had organised a weekend camping trip for her three closest friends. She had hoped that the camping trip would give her and her friends some time to relax before QCS.

“Elle-Jade how much longer are we going to stuck in this van?” Sam asked.

 “We will be there in less than a minute,” Elle-Jade replied.

They drove into the forest’s car park and unloaded the camping gear. With the gear, the group began their trek to the campsite, winding through massive gum trees and dodging spider webs. They arrived at the campsite and immediately erected the tents. The sun began to set, so they decided to collect wood, light a small camp fire and make dinner – snags on bread. When their stomachs were full, Elle-Jade suggested having a few drinks and telling ghost stories around the blazing fire. Everyone agreed.

“The neighbours heard his screams, and when they came running they found both he and his mother’s dead bodies on the floor. The autopsy revealed his liver had been removed!” Aidan cackled.

“Aidan that is ridiculous story. Who would eat a human liver?” Sarah replied.

Elle- Jade began feel the effects of the alcohol and started to doze while leaning against Sam’s shoulder. Suddenly Elle-Jade thought she saw a flash of white in the trees. Elle-Jade sat up and asked the group, “Did you just see that.”

“Yeah I did,” replied Sam. Elle-Jade and the group decided to search the forest for the source of the white flash. As they stepped into the mass of trees, an aborigine smeared in white tribal paint appeared in front of them.

“I see your empty bottles scattered around your camp. You should not treat this land with such disgrace for it shall surely return the favour,” scowled the aborigine.

“The man-eating fish live within the waters of the creek that flows behind me. Those who disrespect land and then enter the creek will be attacked by the man-eating fish. The man-eating fish are a dangerous species that dismember those they catch. Only some are lucky enough to survive. I suggest you leave this place as you found it,” the aborigine cautioned.

Elle-Jade was startled awake as Sam tapped her on the shoulder the next morning. Elle-Jade and Sam decided to wake the others up as the blistering sun began to rise. They were all suffering hangovers but they wanted to explore the nearby waterfalls before they headed back home to their mundane lives. The waterfalls were a popular place for a swim and sunbake. Before they left for the waterfalls, the group ate breakfast and packed up the tents. Rubbish remained scattered around the campsite. Elle-Jade picked up a crushed beer can and threw it back on the ground.

Elle-Jade and the group started their trek to the waterfalls. They had to cross a wooden bridge over the creek on their way. It appeared old and rotten and was clearly in need of fixing.

“I don’t think we should cross the bridge. It could break when we’re crossing,” Sarah pointed out.

After a heated chat, the group decided to try and find another way across the river. After twenty minutes wandering the banks of the creek, they discovered that it was not possible without the getting lost in the forest. They did not want to lose sight of the indicated path to the falls so they decided they would try to cross the bridge.

“I think it might be better if we all walk across one by one so the bridge doesn’t collapse.” suggested Elle-Jade.

Aidan offered to go first. He walked slowly across the rickety bridge and made it safely to the other side. Elle-Jade went next. The bridge creaked as she took her first step. Once she made it to half way Sam began to walk across. Sarah shouted at Sam to stop and come back. Sam ignored Sarah’s warning and continued behind Elle-Jade. Suddenly the bridge collapsed from under Sam and Elle Jade’s feet and they plunged into the water. Elle-Jade screamed as she came to the surface. She felt small, painful nibbles all over her body – the man-eating fish were attacking her. Sam swam immediately to her and began to drag her to the water’s edge. As Sam pushed Elle-Jade into the arms of Aidan, he was suddenly pulled under. Elle-Jade tried to reach for Sam’s outstretched arm before he disappeared. Sarah screamed.

“Pull yourself together Sarah. Go and find help quickly,” Aidan shouted at her. At that moment, Elle-Jade knew the aborigine’s story was true and was not just a dream. The man-eating fish were punishing them for their lack of respect for the earth.

Sarah ran off to the campsite to call 000. The police and ambulance eventually arrived at the creek with Sarah. Elle-Jade was still frantically trying to search the water from the edge, but Aidan’s tight grasp around her waist prevented her from going any further. Aidan pulled her away and the paramedics took her to the ambulance. Tears streamed down her face as the doors of the ambulance closed. 

Elle-Jade awoke the next morning in a hospital ward. The doctor came into Elle-Jade’s room with Sarah and Aidan trailing behind. The doctor asked what happened out there in the forest, Elle-Jade was still too shaken up to tells the doctor what happened so she asked Aidan to tell the doctor everything. “I’ m going to book you a few sessions with a counsellor,” the doctor insisted to Elle-Jade.

The next day Elle-Jade was discharged from the hospital. As she was walking out someone threw a plastic bottle out their car window; Elle-Jade immediately ran over to the bottle and put in the rubbish bin.