Tyler's Battle

Chapter 18 - Tyler's Island

Tyler curled up on his bed and closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about his mum or the funeral or jody, he just wanted his brain to take a break. Whenever things got too much he retreated to his island, to the turquoise sea, waves lapping at the sandy shore, palm trees swaying in the breeze, the sun beating down warm and bright. The warm sun melted away his fears, his anger, his stress. Tyler swam in the crystal waters watching fish darting around him. Once he was tired out he climbed out onto a large rock, and lay in the sun to dry. It soon became too hot in the sun and he headed over to the trees that fringed the beach. It was much cooler in the dappled shade of the trees. Tyler wandered further entranced by the sound of the breeze whispering through the leaves, chirping insects and singing of the tropical birds. He found a bubbling spring of cold icy water, he knelt and cupped his hands to scoop up the deliciously cold water. He seemed to be completely alone on the island, he didn't see a single person but the birds, butterflies and bees kept him company as he wandered through the forest. He stopped at a river where he saw fish swimming and frogs perched on mossy rocks. He followed a narrow winding path away from the river and soon noticed that he was starting to go uphill, the trees started to thin out until he was on a grassy mountain side, he stopped on a rocky outcrop, from where he had a breathtaking view over the tree tops to the coast. He sat with his legs hanging over the edge of the rock, it felt like he was on top of the world, he gazed over the forest admiring the view and barely noticed the lengethening shadows. He was abruptly brought to his senses when temperature started to drop and he began to shiver, he realise that the sun was sinking towards the horizon and would soon be setting. He hurriedly retreated down the mountainside and back in to the forest. It was darker and cooler now, but still housed a cacophony of chirping, buzzing, croaking and singing. Tyler followed the river, he didn't fancy getting lost in the dark depths of the forest. Suddenly Tyler emerged through the trees and found himself back on the beach. The sky was now ablaze, a wash with a fiery orange glow as the sun set. His footprints were still imprinted in the sand but then he noticed a second pair of footprints. He followed the footprints along the beach and saw a figure silhouetted in the distance. He recognised who it was straight away even though they were little more than a speck in the distance. His heart began to thump as he raced towards the figure. 

Mum! Mum! Tyler yelled as he got nearer. Sally stood smiling and arms open to embrace him. He rushed into her arms and hugged her until his arms grew tired.
Mum he said choking back tears. I've missed you so much
Iv missed you to my darling
How can you be here? I don't understand
The mind is a powerful thing she replied
You're not really here are you. It's all in mind
Yes and no. She replied cryptically
I don't know how I can live without you mum. At least before I could see you when I wanted even if we couldn't live together 

Oh my brave boy. You are stronger than you think and you have people that care about you: Mike, May Li, Jody and all the other kids. 

But they are not my real family. I'd rather have you

They are your family too and Jody is special to you, don't lose her
Mum please don't go. We can stay here on my island just the two of us
I'm sorry my love but you know that's not possible. Be strong Tyler my beautiful boy. I'll always be with you 

Suddenly tears blurred his view and his body shook as he sobbed, he wiped away his tears to find himself staring at the ceiling of his bedroom.