Blossoms On An Island

Chapter 7

Isla Sorna --- The Jungle

The six of them have been walking for a while now. They have not been able to find anything that can assist in being rescued. Everyone is exhausted and doesn't know how much longer they have to go.

They tread upward towards a summit. At the top of the ridge, they survey into the distance. Up ahead, the group notices a compound with several buildings lined up. It seems to be abandoned although.

"I bet you Eric's in there. Don't you think? I'd bet my bottom dollar." Paul says in a hopeful voice. He's the first one to go down the summit, rushing to check the compound with the expectation that maybe his son is in there. Alan looks pretty dubious about however he continues down into the valley.

"What do you think it is?" Billy asks.

"I don't know. All I hope is that we will be able to get some help, hopefully." says Raina.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's the four seasons." Udesky states.

**********

INGEN Facility

The survivors proceed forward from the jungle, entering the compound. It is affirmative that the facility is abandoned: the grass's height is almost up to a human's, several vehicles are littered everywhere, some of the vehicles' windows are shattered, leaves and twigs are scattered throughout the area and the buildings have rust layered on them.

Each one of them enters the structure. They look around, observing and scavenging. Roots and branches poke through the walls and floors. Vines are hanging all around the roof. The floor is spattered with brown leaves. There's a receptionist area with a bashed up computer and other scattered, broken materials.

Mr. Kirby cups his mouth and yells, "Eric!" alarming the group. The name echoes through the haunted, eerie place.

Ironically, Amanda scolds him, "Paul, don't!" she urges quietly.

Something else catches Paul's attention. The others turn to see a phone sitting on top of the receptionist desk. Everyone just eyes it, all thinking the same thought. Finally, Amanda mutters, "What the hell," and approaches the phone.

At first, she seems a little hesitant, but then picks up the receiver to her ear. Raina moves closer to her, holding her breath. However, disappointment fills her eyes when Amanda puts the receiver down back. With the first set of misfortune, the group head deeper into the building.

A swift shadow flies across the window with a cheetah's speed. Raina stops, noticing it from the corner of her eyes. She quickly turns around, anticipation flowing in and out of her. She stands still, staring at the windows. When nothing else occurs, she dismisses it, blaming it on the lack of nutrients and water.

**********

They reach a corridor where a couple of vending machines are lined up.

Paul takes out coins from his pocket and addresses the group, "Who's got some change? It only takes quarters. I got, like..." he starts counting, "I got like a buck ten."

Meanwhile, Billy sets up his posture and smashes one of the vending machine's windows with his boot. Amanda lets out a scream, not expecting him to do that. He grabs a couple of granola bars and chocolate and distributes it among the group.

He hands a chocolate bar to Raina. "Here, this will boost up your energy." She smiles in gratitude. Behind her, she notices Paul coming back to them with a slight limp. Raina shakes her head, having somewhat an idea the reason behind his injury.

**********

The group moves along, reaching a set of stairs. Below, there is a laboratory; equipment and machines abandoned. Alan descends down and everyone follows in line. They go in their own direction from that point, eyeing the area in amazement and with curiosity.