Shipwrecked (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Twenty-Nine

You're trusting John with your wishes?!

You're either way too sensitive and forgiving, or you're just plain stupid.

Still, you made the decision.

You hand John the magic lamp, saying, "Here. You make the wish, Johnny."

John grins at you and takes the lamp in his hands. He rubs the lamp vigorously.

You all wait.

But nothing happens.

"Uh, Johnny?" you say anxiously. "You may want to hurry. Those Drongos aren't too far away."

"I'm trying!" John says, inspecting the lamp from all angles. "It... it doesn't seem to be working."

"Oh God," George says, his face white. He clutches baby Serenity to his chest and whispers comforting words in her tiny ears.

You're getting really nervous by this point. "John! Hurry up! Please, I beg of you!"

"I really am trying!" John says, practically in tears. "I don't think -"

"Look out!" Paul screams. "The Drongos! They've caught up!"

And he's right! An entire army of small, hairy, warpaint-smothered creatures burst out of the jungle and spill onto the beach. They're shrieking and howling in a language you've never heard before. You have no clue what they're saying, but it can't be good.

About ten of the Drongos leap up and bodyslam directly into poor Paul. He ends up sprawled out on the sand, screaming blue murder and desperately trying to bat the "horrible little beasts" away.

You, John, and Ringo receive the same treatment and spend twenty seconds of terror grappling with the Drongos. George is running as fast as he can up and down the beach, Serenity bouncing around on his hip.

It looks like this is the end...

What a way to go...

You're about to give in and accept your fate when...

"Doog!"

Silence.

"Doog!" shrieks a small voice from behind you.

You, the lads, and even the Drongos all stand still, completely frozen, and turn to look in the direction of the noise. It's Serenity screeching, thrashing around in George's arms.

"Doog!" she says again. "Doog!"

"What's wrong, poppet?" George inquires. "You hungry or something? If that's the case, now probably isn't -"

Serenity shakes her head. She points to the Drongos. "Doog!''

"What the hell does 'doog' mean?" John asks.

"I think it means 'down'," George says. He lowers Serenity to the ground and sits her up on her padded bottom. ''There you are, lovey. This is your first time playing in the sand, isn't it? Look at how lovely -''

"For God's sake, George! Can you not?" Paul shouts. "We're in a bit of a dilemma here!"

"Sorry," George says, clearing his throat.

Serenity gets into her hands and knees, crawls over to the nearest Drongo, and stares him square in the face.

"Gluh!" she says, sounding rather cross (well, as cross as a baby can sound).

The Drongo looks a bit baffled. "Fiti?" it says.

"Chica,'' Serenity says, pointing at you.

Then she points at John, Paul, and Ringo. "Fab!"

Lastly, she crawls over to George and clings to his leg. "Dada!"

The Drongo's confused expression melts away. It nods and smiles. "Ah! Dalzamo?"

Serenity nods back. "Dalzamo."

"What the actual hell?" John murmurs.

"Shut up, John," you say. "I think Serenity just saved our lives!"

And she has! The Drongos stop attacking and help you and the other lads up, brush you all down, and lead your party of five (six, counting Serenity) back to the campsite.

You and The Beatles end up staying on the island, living at the Drongos campsite in luxury and visiting with your old pal Sam nearly everyday. You end up marrying The Beatle of your choice (just in case Paulie isn't your favourite!) and having lots of beautiful, happy children.

It's a wonderful lifestyle - and to think it all happened by accident!

Well done you on making all the right choices.

Well... there's no more to say, so I guess this is

THE END
(Go back and choose another adventure!)