Paradox

"Off-Brand Alice and Wonderland"

Recap from the last chapter

"Without a single thought, we split into groups and rush into the jungle. As I run into the jungle I see a very familiar number carved into a tree as I pass by. It took me by surprise, I turned around to look and make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. Sure enough, it was exactly what I thought it was. #712"

Beatrice and Safia

As I see these three familiar numbers I am once again reminded of the recurring saying, 'everything happens for a reason'. Could this be another sign from the island?

I run to catch up with Safia who was my partner.

"Saf, I think I found another sign!" I say out of breath.

"Really, what is it?" She said a little shocked.

"Follow me." We run back to the tree where I had found the carving.

"What are you talking about? There is nothing there." Safia says a little confused.

Sure enough, when I looked back at the spot where the three digit number had been, it was gone.

Trying to redeem my self I say: " What the hell! It was just here a second ago, I swear."

"Are you sure Bea? All I see is bark." Safia was obviously trying to convince herself I wasn't going crazy.

"I promise that it was here!" I was practically shouting now.

"There's no way that it would just disappear like that girl," Safia rubbed her head in confusion.

"Oh yes there is! Nothing is right on this island, I'm going to get to the bottom of this. It's clearly a sign."

"Whatever." She says in resignation.

"Now, first we need to figure out what this number means." I was eager to get to the bottom of this.

"Well based on what the woman said about the history of the island, there were American troops that invaded the island during the war. How would that factor into war though?"

"Maybe it had to do with the troop that was deployed here, it could have been their drafting number or the ID number of whatever form of transportation they took to get here?" Safia said as if this information was the most natural thing in the world to figure out.

"You may be on to something Saf! One quick question though, how did you come to this conclusion?" I was amazed.

"My oldest brother fought in Afghanistan after 9/11. We constantly keep track of what happens and look for his ID number on the news or the number of his troop."

I had forgotten for a second that had always been an important aspect of Safia's life.

Changing the subject Safia goes on to say: "What connection do you think the island is trying to help us make?"

"It could only mean one thing: the island wants us to find some kind of craft. It could be a boat, a plane or even someone. Whatever it is it must be important."

Safia and I make our way deeper into the jungle to find the answer to this mysterious clue. We continued on for what seemed like hours. I was beginning to doubt myself. What if I really did imagine the three digit number carved in the tree. Something was telling me not to give up.

When I was losing hope in our little adventure I caught something in the corner of my eyes once more. The three digit number had made an appearance once again but this time the number seemed to be made through the shrubbery on the ground.