The Mystery of Corpse Island

Chapter I - Unexpected News

                       Beep! Beep! "Ugh, is it really necessary to go to college today?". I groaned in disbelief as my alarm kept buzzing. I stretched my arms while I gave out a wild, lion yawn. Another Monday morning awaits me but I definitely do not await it back. The tedious daily routine repeats itself again; wake up, brush my teeth, shower, breakfast, go to college, get taught a boring subject, go home, eat dinner and sleep. I have always wondered about a certain day that carried along many surprises and adventures. I mean, what is the harm in unexpected changes to lighten up this dull, expected pattern. I brushed my teeth, showered and headed downstairs. I glanced at the kitchen counter to see what I can partake for breakfast. What can I expect? I am a broke college student so the only thing I would have today is bread with strawberry jam. I quickly made myself a sandwich to eat on the way to college. How I miss those times me and my dad would go hike in the mysterious woods and sit by the cosy campfire.

                     On my way to college, I was warmly greeted by my best friend. "Hey, Mark! Over here!" "Coming Jenny!" That was one of my best friends, Jennifer Collins. I call her Jenny for short. We usually discuss random topics as we head to class to get a good laugh. Though, our exciting conversations would often get interrupted by the vicious bell, just like today. "Aw man! I need to get going! See you later Mark!" She waved her goodbyes as we parted ways.

                      "Okay class, turn your pages to page 317 and read the text silently. No talking!" The teacher's lifeless voice echoed through the classroom as the sound of papers flipping from one page to another filled the classroom. As soon as I found the page, my eyes widened to the view. Genetics?! Are you kidding me?! This is the hardest subject, in my opinion at least. How am I expected to pass this class? I continued to read the texts anyways, each word makes my brain struggle from understanding the content. As soon as I was halfway through the page, the teacher interrupted my overall concentration. "Time's up!" Those two words filled me up with frustration. If I didn't finish reading this during my break, I would fail to report the topic to the class. I figured I wasn't alone when I heard a few of my classmates mumble in anger.  

                            After what felt like an eternity of waiting for the teacher to finish his instructions, the bell dismissed us from that lesson. I headed towards the cafeteria to read a part of the remaining text to reduce the work I need to do during breaks. I always thought breaks were to take a "break", not to finish your studies. My college system doesn't seem to agree with that. 

                           The day went on; the usual, excruciatingly monotonous day with no sort of interest or even a hint of colour in lessons. My report went well, I got a B+ which is fine but I am not really satisfied with the result. The whole feeling of waiting and being instructed all the time feels like a prison with your hands and mouth wrapped with sturdy metal and a padlock that only your professors can unlock whenever they please. I know it is for my growth and that I chose this course, but something really feels wrong with the education system nowadays. Suddenly, I felt a quick blow behind me. I turned behind, nothing was there. Strange.

                          As I headed back home, I was met with Jenny again. "Hey Mark, heard the news?" "Huh? What news" Jenny swiftly took her phone out and faced the phone to me. Jenny read out loud "Sir Marco Smith Jonas went missing after a trip around the world, the boat found in Corpse Island". "I always wondered what was with Corpse Island that whoever enters it is never the same... anyways I need to head home now, see you tomorrow Jenny!" As I continued along in my path, I saw a black figure standing in the isolated distance. I just shooed my fear away, I must be overthinking again. While unlocking my door, I wondered what would happen if I figured what caused the mysterious disappearances and odd behaviours on Corpse Island by going to it. Going to Corpse Island? No way I am doing that, that is only for madmen! I shrugged the thought off as I entered my house. The sweet aroma filled the living room with a peace which made me at peace even with all the tangled mess happening in my head.

                         After the long day, I prepared myself to head to bed and get some rest. I awaited this moment more than anything else because I can finally be in my own world I can control and manipulate. As soon as I drifted off to sleep, I felt a small vibration from my phone next to me. Strange, why would there be any notifications this hour? Probably just some store notifying me about discounts and offers. As I picked the phone up, I noticed that it was a message from the...hospital? I was confounded as I was pretty sure I wasn't suffering any health issues. I opened the message and my heart dropped reading every word. 

   "Mr Jones Mark, we apologize greatly for the inconvenience.

      Mrs Jones Alexandra was currently diagnosed with a brain disorder at an alarmingly

critical stage. She is currently in her deathbed and only has 60 days.

We are sorry to inform you about this tragedy."

-Collins Harbor Hospital

    My thoughts were filled with sorrow and shock. The thought that my grandma, the person I loved so dearly, was sooner to go was filling my heart up with agony. I can't risk losing my grandmother, I can't. As I laid in bed, tears blurring my eyesight, the lights suddenly went out. I sat back up in shock. I heard creaking sounds and the door of my bedroom opening wide. Again, I saw that same black figure... I felt my hands shaking and sweaty and I trembled in my words. My heart felt unsteady and beating at a rapid rate. I didn't live with anyone other than my teddy bear my dad gave to me when I was seven years old. I was able to stutter out a few words;

"W-Who are you and what do you want?"