The Man On The Island [COMPLETE]

June

June 14th 2017 — Day 11

Eleven days... Can it be? Did I count right? I am still struggling to accept it all, but denying it is no longer an option. Denying could, in fact, very well kill me. I have to face the music: I'm stranded.

These past days have been difficult. But as I reread my previous entries, I am happy to see sanity slowly returning to me. I stood on the brink of it for a while as I stared death in the face. But now, my resolution came back. I am determined to get off this island.

Memories of my life before the accident float to the surface of my mind every now and then. I carefully sink them again. I must. It wouldn't help me one bit to remember the venues I've walked through, the songs I sang, the fans who cheered.

It wouldn't help me to think on the jet's crash, nor to recall the faces of the friends that fell with me, but never rose again.

Sometimes, when the sun set, I allow myself a prayer for their souls. And I offer my silence to the waves as I stand so close and yet so far from their watery graves. But beyond that, I have to keep my thoughts aligned with my goal, to keep my moods clean. I cannot give in. I will not give in.

***

June 15th 2017 — Day 12

The shelter is finally finished. I never thought that I—the born and raised city dweller, the one who bleeds Big Apple juice—would someday craft something so simple and yet feel like I've just conquered the world.

I don't think climbing Everest would generate more pride.

Four rudimentary walls made of branches held together by palm fronds, and a roof made of palm leaves. There's barely room to stand in it, but it's enough to lie in peace at night. Of course, sleep still eludes me on a regular basis, but it won't affect my joy of having made this shack all by myself.

No more sleeping on the beach! I can now enjoy some privacy.

Hmm... A restroom might be on my project list next.

***

June 18th 2017 — Day 15

So hungry...

Fishing was a bust for nearly two days now: a shark has decided to stalk my food. And if Cast Away has taught me one thing, it's that too much coconut will do for a nice enema. And in such warm conditions, on an island where water is rare, dehydration is a very real risk. I won't have it! Find something else, universe! I will not die here.

***

Date — Day Blue

I know why giraffes are purple, because they don'T have a gREen tongue...