Alaia191
Lynn00G
Daypaw
Gruelgrimm
x_icewhip_x
X_wishing_well_X
Treya_Barton
1kaz
Violette Cielle
xxxEmu92xxx
Shujitsun
XxMo_uNdEaDxX
I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who entered the contest! I loved all of your entries, and it was really hard to choose the winners. This is the most successful writing contest I've ever hosted in the NSTG, and I couldn't have done it without you! emotion_bigheart
Sorry I took a while to post this. Feel free to quote me if you have any questions!
[quote="Eternal Rebellion"][/quote]
Alaia191
A Mother's Love
1st Place
Daypaw
Lock
2nd Place
Note: (Suggestive Themes)
Gruelgrimm
Waterlogged Captain's Log I - VII
3rd Place
[Story Recipe]
Links
Waterlogged Captain's Log I
Day One~ Casting off from Gambino shores
Waterlogged Captain's Log II
Day Two~ Rough Seas!
Waterlogged Captain's Log III
Day Three~ Set Off-Course!
Waterlogged Captain's Log IV
Day Four~ Unexpected Guests!
Waterlogged Captain's Log V
Day Five~ Monster, Monster of the Deep!
Waterlogged Captain's Log VI
Day Six~ Shipwrecked!
Waterlogged Captain's Log VII
Entry Seven~ Homeward Bound!
x_icewhip_x
Emily's Log
Honorable Mention
A Mother's Love
1st Place
Dear Emily, 7/5/1996
It has been a few hours since our ship crashed, and I only just recovered from the shock enough to pull out my journal. I am so glad that I thought to quickly grab my backpack as we were ushered out of our rooms into lifeboats. Although my delay in stuffing some granola bars and my water bottle cost me - they were out of the sturdy wooden lifeboats when I came out and I had to go all alone in an inflatable raft. So far it is holding up. And I think I see an island up ahead.
I don’t know what’s going to happen over these next few days. All I know is that I’ll have to stay alive - for both of us. Because I don’t want to lose you.
You barely kicked me at all through the commotion. I think you sensed that something was wrong and stayed quiet to make things better. Or maybe you just slept through it all.
You’re supposed to be born in a few days. Hopefully by then I’ll be in the hospital. I was afraid enough to give birth at seventeen as it is, without having to give birth all alone on an island - or worse, in a lifeboat - to worry me.
But no matter what, you need to know that I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made about you over these past nine months.
The only thing I regret is running away from my family to live with my boyfriend. He turned out to be a scumbag, but at least I have you to show for it. And when I wanted to go home, at least he had the decency to pay for a ship to bring me home.
I only wish he had paid for a plane ticket instead.
I must stop writing - I’m feeling really tired all of a sudden. Goodnight, my darling.
Love,
Rachel (your mother)
Dear Emily, 7/6/1996
Today I landed on a small island. There isn’t much here - a few trees, some coconut and some banana, but not many. And apparently animals live on this island, because there are banana peels on the sandy ground in places and every once in a while I can see a paw print, though I can’t tell what animal it is. There must be a lot of them though, because there are barely any fruits on the trees. Hopefully enough to help us both survive.
I have yet to find a source of fresh water. For now I’m rationing sips of my water bottle - one sip every two hours until I find a stream or something. I’ll also have to figure out how to get coconut milk.
I’m going to stop writing now - I’ve got to figure out how to make some sort of shelter, or else find one, and then I’m going to go rest. I have a slight headache.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/7/1996
I never found a freshwater stream. However, I was able to get coconut milk out of the coconuts (it took me at least an hour to figure it out - without my cell phone or my watch it was hard to keep track of the time). I also made a fire to keep me (and you) warm as the night got kind of chilly.
I also made a rather crude fishing rod out of a thin branch and some string I had in my backpack, and found some bugs to use as bait. I even caught a few small fish, and it felt like a feast to eat them over a campfire. I’m glad that my dad took me fishing as a young girl. I can’t wait for you to meet him as soon as we’re rescued - and as soon as you’re born.
Right now I miss my parents more than anything. I’ve caused them so much worry and stress. I wrote them a note telling them that I’d gone but they probably searched for me anyway. Maybe they still are. Or maybe they’ve given up on me. I couldn’t quite get up the nerve to call them when I decided to come home. I had kind of just planned on showing up again. I didn’t even know what to say to them. I still don’t.
I hope you won’t cause the same worries to me that I did to my parents.
Do you know why I decided to name you Emily? It’s because my mom’s name is Emily, and our family has kind of had this tradition of naming our oldest daughters after our mothers. I’m my mom’s only daughter. And my dad’s name is Richard. Maybe someday you’ll have a little brother or sister - or both. I hope so.
You know, most girls would have been upset at finding out at 16 that they were pregnant, but somehow, I wasn’t. I felt nothing but joy. I need you to know that.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/8/1996
I practiced writing out what I would say to my parents when I got home in the back pages of this journal. It kind of turned into a letter rather than something I would say. Maybe I’ll give it to them when I’m home.
Today I made a huge pile of driftwood and grass for when I see a ship or helicopter or something come by. So far I haven’t, but when I do, I’ll be prepared.
I also walked around the island some more, looking for a fresh water stream. I’m surprised my water has lasted this long - I’ve been drinking a lot of coconut milk. Do you think that when you’re born and as you grow older, you’ll like coconuts? Or will you hate them because, subconsciously, they’ll remind you of the one time we’ve ever gone hungry? I say one time because I have no intention of ever letting you go hungry. When I get home, I’ll go back to high school. Your grandma and grandpa could watch you - I’m sure they’d love you as much as I do. Or maybe I’ll homeschool, so I can stay and watch you. And then I’m going to college to go into social work. My goal is to help pregnant teenagers who maybe want to keep their children but are scared. Maybe knowing that I was like them would reassure them. And maybe sometimes I could bring you in to show them that you weren’t traumatized.
Because I am going to do everything in my power to make sure you live a happy life.
I’m going to go and get some sleep now - you’ve been keeping me awake with your kicking and just now you’re really quiet.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/9/1996
Soon, very soon I think, I’m going to meet you face-to-face. My water broke and my contractions are very close now.
I’m scared - help still hasn’t come. I’m all alone with no help. No doctors, no hospitals. And it hurts - it hurts a lot. I know you don’t mean it though.
I wish my parents were here. Dear God, I wish my parents were here!
-Mommy
My dearest, darling baby, 7/10/1996
You are so beautiful. Why did I ever used to think that all babies were red and wrinkly and ugly? Maybe other babies are, but not you. Small and wrinkly, but never ugly. You’ve even got wisps of brown hair, just like mine - although mine is quite a bit longer.
I’ve wrapped you up in my red sweater. Don’t worry about me being cold though - I just keep warm by holding you close - though that makes it hard to write. As soon as I feel a little less weak I’ll build a fire.
I’m still bleeding a little bit. I hope it stops soon.
Love,
Your blissful mother
Dear Emily, 7/11/1996
I lit the signal fire. I’ll try to keep it burning for a few days, because so far I still haven’t seen any help. I don’t feel up to fishing, but I have a store of coconuts and two granola bars near where I sleep - with you always with me.
You have no idea how wonderful it feels to be holding you in my arms - even to hear you crying at all hours.
Everything was worth it.
Love,
Mommy
My dearest daughter, 7/12/1996
I’m getting weaker all the time. And I’m still bleeding. And I feel sick.
I have a feeling that I’m not going to make it.
There’s enough wood burning to keep the fire going for a while. And I think that lump in the horizon might be a ship.
But darling, I think you’re the only one who’s going to be rescued.
I can’t even eat or drink anything.
My dearest Emily, I hope that whoever find us - finds you - will find my parents and bring you to them. I hope that you will grow up with a happy life with your grandparents telling you about their daughter, and how she made a mistake but it turned out to be the best thing she ever did. Because it brought you into the world.
No matter what happens, no matter what you go through, remember this: I LO
Dear mom, 8/15/2013
I was just given this journal last week. Seventeen years and the orphanage never gave it to me - saving it until I would leave them.
It was a ship that you saw, so I’ve finally found out after much research. I was in the papers for two weeks as the baby rescued from a deserted island wrapped in a bloody red sweater and in her dead mother’s arms. Until a local celebrity caused a scandal.
They didn’t find your parents - not then. I’ve lived in an orphanage my whole life, until suddenly just last week (the day before the orphanage people gave this journal to me) your parents - my grandparents - came charging up the doorsteps. After years of praying and hoping and researching, they finally found me. It was all very overwhelming. There was a lot of crying done. By them. By me.
So, I’m going to live with your parents my grandparents now. I’m moving to a different state and going to a different school for my senior year. I don’t mind it at all. It just feels so good to know that I’m living with the people I really belong with.
I grew up wondering whether I’d been abandoned or whether my parents had died. The orphanage wouldn’t tell me. Sometimes I hated you, or hated who I thought you were. And others I told myself that I didn’t.
Mom, I’m so sorry I ever thought I hated you. Reading this I can see how wrong that was. I saw your earlier entries, and saw that you were funny, and kind. Outgoing. And sometimes scared. I’m afraid there’s a few teardrops on the last page you wrote on. I hope you don’t mind.
I love you so much. And I’m so glad you loved me.
Oh, by the way, mom, I found out I’m pregnant.
If it’s a girl, I’m naming her Rachel.
Love,
Your daughter,
Emily
It has been a few hours since our ship crashed, and I only just recovered from the shock enough to pull out my journal. I am so glad that I thought to quickly grab my backpack as we were ushered out of our rooms into lifeboats. Although my delay in stuffing some granola bars and my water bottle cost me - they were out of the sturdy wooden lifeboats when I came out and I had to go all alone in an inflatable raft. So far it is holding up. And I think I see an island up ahead.
I don’t know what’s going to happen over these next few days. All I know is that I’ll have to stay alive - for both of us. Because I don’t want to lose you.
You barely kicked me at all through the commotion. I think you sensed that something was wrong and stayed quiet to make things better. Or maybe you just slept through it all.
You’re supposed to be born in a few days. Hopefully by then I’ll be in the hospital. I was afraid enough to give birth at seventeen as it is, without having to give birth all alone on an island - or worse, in a lifeboat - to worry me.
But no matter what, you need to know that I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made about you over these past nine months.
The only thing I regret is running away from my family to live with my boyfriend. He turned out to be a scumbag, but at least I have you to show for it. And when I wanted to go home, at least he had the decency to pay for a ship to bring me home.
I only wish he had paid for a plane ticket instead.
I must stop writing - I’m feeling really tired all of a sudden. Goodnight, my darling.
Love,
Rachel (your mother)
Dear Emily, 7/6/1996
Today I landed on a small island. There isn’t much here - a few trees, some coconut and some banana, but not many. And apparently animals live on this island, because there are banana peels on the sandy ground in places and every once in a while I can see a paw print, though I can’t tell what animal it is. There must be a lot of them though, because there are barely any fruits on the trees. Hopefully enough to help us both survive.
I have yet to find a source of fresh water. For now I’m rationing sips of my water bottle - one sip every two hours until I find a stream or something. I’ll also have to figure out how to get coconut milk.
I’m going to stop writing now - I’ve got to figure out how to make some sort of shelter, or else find one, and then I’m going to go rest. I have a slight headache.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/7/1996
I never found a freshwater stream. However, I was able to get coconut milk out of the coconuts (it took me at least an hour to figure it out - without my cell phone or my watch it was hard to keep track of the time). I also made a fire to keep me (and you) warm as the night got kind of chilly.
I also made a rather crude fishing rod out of a thin branch and some string I had in my backpack, and found some bugs to use as bait. I even caught a few small fish, and it felt like a feast to eat them over a campfire. I’m glad that my dad took me fishing as a young girl. I can’t wait for you to meet him as soon as we’re rescued - and as soon as you’re born.
Right now I miss my parents more than anything. I’ve caused them so much worry and stress. I wrote them a note telling them that I’d gone but they probably searched for me anyway. Maybe they still are. Or maybe they’ve given up on me. I couldn’t quite get up the nerve to call them when I decided to come home. I had kind of just planned on showing up again. I didn’t even know what to say to them. I still don’t.
I hope you won’t cause the same worries to me that I did to my parents.
Do you know why I decided to name you Emily? It’s because my mom’s name is Emily, and our family has kind of had this tradition of naming our oldest daughters after our mothers. I’m my mom’s only daughter. And my dad’s name is Richard. Maybe someday you’ll have a little brother or sister - or both. I hope so.
You know, most girls would have been upset at finding out at 16 that they were pregnant, but somehow, I wasn’t. I felt nothing but joy. I need you to know that.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/8/1996
I practiced writing out what I would say to my parents when I got home in the back pages of this journal. It kind of turned into a letter rather than something I would say. Maybe I’ll give it to them when I’m home.
Today I made a huge pile of driftwood and grass for when I see a ship or helicopter or something come by. So far I haven’t, but when I do, I’ll be prepared.
I also walked around the island some more, looking for a fresh water stream. I’m surprised my water has lasted this long - I’ve been drinking a lot of coconut milk. Do you think that when you’re born and as you grow older, you’ll like coconuts? Or will you hate them because, subconsciously, they’ll remind you of the one time we’ve ever gone hungry? I say one time because I have no intention of ever letting you go hungry. When I get home, I’ll go back to high school. Your grandma and grandpa could watch you - I’m sure they’d love you as much as I do. Or maybe I’ll homeschool, so I can stay and watch you. And then I’m going to college to go into social work. My goal is to help pregnant teenagers who maybe want to keep their children but are scared. Maybe knowing that I was like them would reassure them. And maybe sometimes I could bring you in to show them that you weren’t traumatized.
Because I am going to do everything in my power to make sure you live a happy life.
I’m going to go and get some sleep now - you’ve been keeping me awake with your kicking and just now you’re really quiet.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Emily, 7/9/1996
Soon, very soon I think, I’m going to meet you face-to-face. My water broke and my contractions are very close now.
I’m scared - help still hasn’t come. I’m all alone with no help. No doctors, no hospitals. And it hurts - it hurts a lot. I know you don’t mean it though.
I wish my parents were here. Dear God, I wish my parents were here!
-Mommy
My dearest, darling baby, 7/10/1996
You are so beautiful. Why did I ever used to think that all babies were red and wrinkly and ugly? Maybe other babies are, but not you. Small and wrinkly, but never ugly. You’ve even got wisps of brown hair, just like mine - although mine is quite a bit longer.
I’ve wrapped you up in my red sweater. Don’t worry about me being cold though - I just keep warm by holding you close - though that makes it hard to write. As soon as I feel a little less weak I’ll build a fire.
I’m still bleeding a little bit. I hope it stops soon.
Love,
Your blissful mother
Dear Emily, 7/11/1996
I lit the signal fire. I’ll try to keep it burning for a few days, because so far I still haven’t seen any help. I don’t feel up to fishing, but I have a store of coconuts and two granola bars near where I sleep - with you always with me.
You have no idea how wonderful it feels to be holding you in my arms - even to hear you crying at all hours.
Everything was worth it.
Love,
Mommy
My dearest daughter, 7/12/1996
I’m getting weaker all the time. And I’m still bleeding. And I feel sick.
I have a feeling that I’m not going to make it.
There’s enough wood burning to keep the fire going for a while. And I think that lump in the horizon might be a ship.
But darling, I think you’re the only one who’s going to be rescued.
I can’t even eat or drink anything.
My dearest Emily, I hope that whoever find us - finds you - will find my parents and bring you to them. I hope that you will grow up with a happy life with your grandparents telling you about their daughter, and how she made a mistake but it turned out to be the best thing she ever did. Because it brought you into the world.
No matter what happens, no matter what you go through, remember this: I LO
Dear mom, 8/15/2013
I was just given this journal last week. Seventeen years and the orphanage never gave it to me - saving it until I would leave them.
It was a ship that you saw, so I’ve finally found out after much research. I was in the papers for two weeks as the baby rescued from a deserted island wrapped in a bloody red sweater and in her dead mother’s arms. Until a local celebrity caused a scandal.
They didn’t find your parents - not then. I’ve lived in an orphanage my whole life, until suddenly just last week (the day before the orphanage people gave this journal to me) your parents - my grandparents - came charging up the doorsteps. After years of praying and hoping and researching, they finally found me. It was all very overwhelming. There was a lot of crying done. By them. By me.
So, I’m going to live with your parents my grandparents now. I’m moving to a different state and going to a different school for my senior year. I don’t mind it at all. It just feels so good to know that I’m living with the people I really belong with.
I grew up wondering whether I’d been abandoned or whether my parents had died. The orphanage wouldn’t tell me. Sometimes I hated you, or hated who I thought you were. And others I told myself that I didn’t.
Mom, I’m so sorry I ever thought I hated you. Reading this I can see how wrong that was. I saw your earlier entries, and saw that you were funny, and kind. Outgoing. And sometimes scared. I’m afraid there’s a few teardrops on the last page you wrote on. I hope you don’t mind.
I love you so much. And I’m so glad you loved me.
Oh, by the way, mom, I found out I’m pregnant.
If it’s a girl, I’m naming her Rachel.
Love,
Your daughter,
Emily
Daypaw
Lock
2nd Place
Note: (Suggestive Themes)
08/15/2013
Dear Diary;
How absurd to have been undone by a lock. Stuck here for hours and no safe escape in sight- I suppose I am stranded here until someone comes looking for me. No matter, I have plenty of homework to keep myself busy in the meantime! The hours will fly by, surely- there is no better cure for boredom than oceanography and biology. Beforehand, a quick update is in order- sorry no letters for the past few days, I have been buried under a mountain of homework a mile deep as I’m sure you can imagine. Justin hasn’t said much to me since my previous entry- I’ll just be patient, I don’t want to scare him away. Milli and Kate have both been doing great in their classes, but from what I gathered through talking with Maria over Skype the other day, she isn’t doing so well in her arithmetic classes and is looking for a tutor. I wish I lived closer to her so that I could help her out more than I do now, sometimes I don’t feel like a very good friend. Mom and Dad are still doing mostly alright back at home, but that drama is an entry for another day.
Sincerely,
Hannah
--
08/15/2013 (Late Evening)
Dear Diary;
Taking a short reading break. I'm fixating on something that smells like ammonia. Maybe it is just the thought of being stuck here for the time being, but I don't remember this place ever feeling so.... dirty.
My imagination is running away with me, it cannot be helped.
Sincerely;
Hannah
--
08/16/2013
Dear Diary;
I am still stuck on this rooftop. I realized last night when I finished my homework that nobody had come back to the door to let me in- I must have beat on the infernal thing for hours. I screamed over the ledge until my throat was hoarse, but either nobody heard me or nobody cared. Someone will have to come up here eventually, so I’ll just keep working on my reading in the meantime- I’m not sure how I will explain this to my professors, though. This is going to put me way behind in my studies. Why was the door even locked? It has never been locked before.
Sincerely,
Hannah
--
08/16/2013 (Evening)
Dear Diary;
I’m getting scared. Nobody has come to the door yet- I don’t have anything to eat and I finished everything in my water bottle this morning. I am beyond filthy- there must be years of dirt and grime up here, and I have been getting uncomfortably friendly with it since that blasted lock showed up. I don’t know what to do- isn’t there someone looking for me? I told my friends that I was coming up here to study where it was quiet, why haven’t they told anyone to look for me up here?
Hannah
--
08/17/2013
Dear Diary;
I’m getting desperate. I have been all around the edges of this building looking for a fire escape that is within reach, or another building ledge that I could jump to- but everything is just too far away. I’m getting so thirsty, I can’t really see straight anymore. It is taking all of my concentration to put together a coherent thought out here in the sun, I can simply NOT fathom continuing like this. My wrists are bruised from beating on the door- I will have to wait for someone to search for me, I cannot continue to try and gain attention this way.
Hannah
--
08/17/2013 (Evening)
Diary;
It is hot.
Hannah
--
02/72333
Dairy
Mom and dad miss home go justin fish
Hannah
--
08/18/2013 (Evening)
Dear Diary;
Please forgive my previous entry, I was rather delirious this morning. By some miracle there was rain this afternoon- I now have a small amount of water. I still don’t feel well- I am sure that I am well beyond dehydrated, but I have had a fair amount to drink and my water bottle is full. I’m glad I kept it- most of my pens and small books have gone over the ledge already and still no help has come.
I have been musing in my quiet time, Diary. I’m sure I could have been using this time to catch up on what reading I have with me, but no. I have been thinking- mostly about my friends, about Milli and Kate in particular. How are they doing? Did they not tell anyone where I was because they didn’t notice that I was missing? Perhaps I am not as important to them as they have always been to me- surely they care for me, but to neglect such a simple detail when someone goes missing… And what of my parents? Surely they have noticed that I am not visiting. Is anyone looking for me? Have my professors noticed my absence? It has been days since my stranding here atop this building- many of my personal effects have been dropped into the streets below, and not a soul has come to investigate.
Is this a reflection on me? Am I such a deplorable thing that I am not worth finding? Not worth helping? Or is this a reflection on the society in which I live, that we do not help one another? I do not understand, Diary. I wish you could talk back, help me realize what it is that I am missing here. It certainly cannot be that everyone within this society is so cruel as to let me perish here alone.
Sincerely;
Hannah
--
08/19/2013
Dear Diary;
I am starving. I still have my water, about half of the bottle- but it is not going to last the day. I have managed to catch a few bugs up here, but the amount of nutrients that they provide is laughable. I tried catching birds that were perched on the rooftop earlier this morning, but no luck- I don’t have the tools required for such a feat. What I wouldn’t give for a simple box and stick!
I am concerned by how lethargic I feel, Diary. The day after my stranding, I was filled with vigor and zest to be free- I read my entry about shouting until I could not anymore, and I truly cannot even imagine being bothered with trying to cry for help at this point. It requires too much energy, and all I feel up to doing is huddling here in my corner where the sun does not quite reach.
There are some clouds in the distance, Diary. I am praying for more rain. I may not be able to summon food from the sky, but if I can get more water, I may yet be able to buy myself time.
Hannah
--
08/20/2013
Diary, I’ve realized something.
You are an amazing friend, Diary.
I’m all alone up here, but you have so many thoughts in you. So many ideas. I looked back through your pages to April, when I met Justin- such a great month!
But you know? The things that I have written- my time here, it has taught me something.
If I read between those lines, you give great insight, Diary. Here I am fawning over some cute guy and all you’ve been saying from the beginning is ‘he’s out of your league.’ I should have known, right?
And all these entries about Milli- you’re telling me ‘She doesn’t have time for you!’
And Kate, ‘She thinks you’re poor trash!’
And even Maria- ‘You’re too dumb to help, leave this to the professionals.’
Oh, Diary, why didn’t I start listening to you sooner?
--
08/21/2013
I hate you.
--
08/22/2013
Diary
I have been thinking. Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to get off this roof after all.
08/22/2013
I’m sorry, Diary. I’m being irrational.
08/22/2013
No, no- this is perfectly logical. What do you think? My books and pens all fell away, why can’t I do the same?
08/22/2013
You’re right, Diary. This is silly. I should just wait.
08/22/2013
I can’t wait forever.
08/22/2013
You’re right- who would even notice?
--
08/30/2013
Dear Diary;
You saved my life. I don’t remember writing anything after the day of the second rain- the police tell me that you broke a car windshield at evening rush hour and then someone finally noticed me up on the roof. They say I was planning to jump- based on the writings from 08/22 and if I had already thrown you off, I can’t really argue with that but I can’t believe I would ever reach that point.
I have been given a clean bill of health! It is nice to be home. I have a lot of lessons to catch up on, unfortunately- I will be going back at the beginning of next week, though my professors have agreed to give me some extra time and some private lessons to help get me back on track.
My parents came in to visit as soon as I was found- there was apparently a decent sized search and rescue going on. Milli and Kate were beyond distraught that they forgot that I said I was going to the roof, though in retrospect, I suppose I could have picked a better place to study. I'll just be studying at home like a normal person from now on. I am still a bit rattled from the whole experience- I have been having bad dreams, in particular, so I think I am also going to get in touch with someone to help handle the post-traumatic stress, just to be on the safe side.
I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do now- just a few short weeks ago I had my heart set on marine biology, but life is short. Maybe I should think about some of the other options that my family had ruled out for my on the grounds that they were ‘not respectable’ before coming to school way out here. If I am only going to live once, I would much rather be happy than wealthy.
I will talk to my parents about graphic design and animation classes at the end of this semester.
Sincerely;
Hannah
Dear Diary;
How absurd to have been undone by a lock. Stuck here for hours and no safe escape in sight- I suppose I am stranded here until someone comes looking for me. No matter, I have plenty of homework to keep myself busy in the meantime! The hours will fly by, surely- there is no better cure for boredom than oceanography and biology. Beforehand, a quick update is in order- sorry no letters for the past few days, I have been buried under a mountain of homework a mile deep as I’m sure you can imagine. Justin hasn’t said much to me since my previous entry- I’ll just be patient, I don’t want to scare him away. Milli and Kate have both been doing great in their classes, but from what I gathered through talking with Maria over Skype the other day, she isn’t doing so well in her arithmetic classes and is looking for a tutor. I wish I lived closer to her so that I could help her out more than I do now, sometimes I don’t feel like a very good friend. Mom and Dad are still doing mostly alright back at home, but that drama is an entry for another day.
Sincerely,
Hannah
--
08/15/2013 (Late Evening)
Dear Diary;
Taking a short reading break. I'm fixating on something that smells like ammonia. Maybe it is just the thought of being stuck here for the time being, but I don't remember this place ever feeling so.... dirty.
My imagination is running away with me, it cannot be helped.
Sincerely;
Hannah
--
08/16/2013
Dear Diary;
I am still stuck on this rooftop. I realized last night when I finished my homework that nobody had come back to the door to let me in- I must have beat on the infernal thing for hours. I screamed over the ledge until my throat was hoarse, but either nobody heard me or nobody cared. Someone will have to come up here eventually, so I’ll just keep working on my reading in the meantime- I’m not sure how I will explain this to my professors, though. This is going to put me way behind in my studies. Why was the door even locked? It has never been locked before.
Sincerely,
Hannah
--
08/16/2013 (Evening)
Dear Diary;
I’m getting scared. Nobody has come to the door yet- I don’t have anything to eat and I finished everything in my water bottle this morning. I am beyond filthy- there must be years of dirt and grime up here, and I have been getting uncomfortably friendly with it since that blasted lock showed up. I don’t know what to do- isn’t there someone looking for me? I told my friends that I was coming up here to study where it was quiet, why haven’t they told anyone to look for me up here?
Hannah
--
08/17/2013
Dear Diary;
I’m getting desperate. I have been all around the edges of this building looking for a fire escape that is within reach, or another building ledge that I could jump to- but everything is just too far away. I’m getting so thirsty, I can’t really see straight anymore. It is taking all of my concentration to put together a coherent thought out here in the sun, I can simply NOT fathom continuing like this. My wrists are bruised from beating on the door- I will have to wait for someone to search for me, I cannot continue to try and gain attention this way.
Hannah
--
08/17/2013 (Evening)
Diary;
It is hot.
Hannah
--
02/72333
Dairy
Mom and dad miss home go justin fish
Hannah
--
08/18/2013 (Evening)
Dear Diary;
Please forgive my previous entry, I was rather delirious this morning. By some miracle there was rain this afternoon- I now have a small amount of water. I still don’t feel well- I am sure that I am well beyond dehydrated, but I have had a fair amount to drink and my water bottle is full. I’m glad I kept it- most of my pens and small books have gone over the ledge already and still no help has come.
I have been musing in my quiet time, Diary. I’m sure I could have been using this time to catch up on what reading I have with me, but no. I have been thinking- mostly about my friends, about Milli and Kate in particular. How are they doing? Did they not tell anyone where I was because they didn’t notice that I was missing? Perhaps I am not as important to them as they have always been to me- surely they care for me, but to neglect such a simple detail when someone goes missing… And what of my parents? Surely they have noticed that I am not visiting. Is anyone looking for me? Have my professors noticed my absence? It has been days since my stranding here atop this building- many of my personal effects have been dropped into the streets below, and not a soul has come to investigate.
Is this a reflection on me? Am I such a deplorable thing that I am not worth finding? Not worth helping? Or is this a reflection on the society in which I live, that we do not help one another? I do not understand, Diary. I wish you could talk back, help me realize what it is that I am missing here. It certainly cannot be that everyone within this society is so cruel as to let me perish here alone.
Sincerely;
Hannah
--
08/19/2013
Dear Diary;
I am starving. I still have my water, about half of the bottle- but it is not going to last the day. I have managed to catch a few bugs up here, but the amount of nutrients that they provide is laughable. I tried catching birds that were perched on the rooftop earlier this morning, but no luck- I don’t have the tools required for such a feat. What I wouldn’t give for a simple box and stick!
I am concerned by how lethargic I feel, Diary. The day after my stranding, I was filled with vigor and zest to be free- I read my entry about shouting until I could not anymore, and I truly cannot even imagine being bothered with trying to cry for help at this point. It requires too much energy, and all I feel up to doing is huddling here in my corner where the sun does not quite reach.
There are some clouds in the distance, Diary. I am praying for more rain. I may not be able to summon food from the sky, but if I can get more water, I may yet be able to buy myself time.
Hannah
--
08/20/2013
Diary, I’ve realized something.
You are an amazing friend, Diary.
I’m all alone up here, but you have so many thoughts in you. So many ideas. I looked back through your pages to April, when I met Justin- such a great month!
But you know? The things that I have written- my time here, it has taught me something.
If I read between those lines, you give great insight, Diary. Here I am fawning over some cute guy and all you’ve been saying from the beginning is ‘he’s out of your league.’ I should have known, right?
And all these entries about Milli- you’re telling me ‘She doesn’t have time for you!’
And Kate, ‘She thinks you’re poor trash!’
And even Maria- ‘You’re too dumb to help, leave this to the professionals.’
Oh, Diary, why didn’t I start listening to you sooner?
--
08/21/2013
I hate you.
--
08/22/2013
Diary
I have been thinking. Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to get off this roof after all.
08/22/2013
I’m sorry, Diary. I’m being irrational.
08/22/2013
No, no- this is perfectly logical. What do you think? My books and pens all fell away, why can’t I do the same?
08/22/2013
You’re right, Diary. This is silly. I should just wait.
08/22/2013
I can’t wait forever.
08/22/2013
You’re right- who would even notice?
--
08/30/2013
Dear Diary;
You saved my life. I don’t remember writing anything after the day of the second rain- the police tell me that you broke a car windshield at evening rush hour and then someone finally noticed me up on the roof. They say I was planning to jump- based on the writings from 08/22 and if I had already thrown you off, I can’t really argue with that but I can’t believe I would ever reach that point.
I have been given a clean bill of health! It is nice to be home. I have a lot of lessons to catch up on, unfortunately- I will be going back at the beginning of next week, though my professors have agreed to give me some extra time and some private lessons to help get me back on track.
My parents came in to visit as soon as I was found- there was apparently a decent sized search and rescue going on. Milli and Kate were beyond distraught that they forgot that I said I was going to the roof, though in retrospect, I suppose I could have picked a better place to study. I'll just be studying at home like a normal person from now on. I am still a bit rattled from the whole experience- I have been having bad dreams, in particular, so I think I am also going to get in touch with someone to help handle the post-traumatic stress, just to be on the safe side.
I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do now- just a few short weeks ago I had my heart set on marine biology, but life is short. Maybe I should think about some of the other options that my family had ruled out for my on the grounds that they were ‘not respectable’ before coming to school way out here. If I am only going to live once, I would much rather be happy than wealthy.
I will talk to my parents about graphic design and animation classes at the end of this semester.
Sincerely;
Hannah
Gruelgrimm
Waterlogged Captain's Log I - VII
3rd Place
[Story Recipe]
Links
Waterlogged Captain's Log I
Day One~ Casting off from Gambino shores
Waterlogged Captain's Log II
Day Two~ Rough Seas!
Waterlogged Captain's Log III
Day Three~ Set Off-Course!
Waterlogged Captain's Log IV
Day Four~ Unexpected Guests!
Waterlogged Captain's Log V
Day Five~ Monster, Monster of the Deep!
Waterlogged Captain's Log VI
Day Six~ Shipwrecked!
Waterlogged Captain's Log VII
Entry Seven~ Homeward Bound!
x_icewhip_x
Emily's Log
Honorable Mention
Emily’s Log
June, 3, 2013 7:14 PM
I have everything set up, I think. I was able to gather enough fruit and game for a meal tonight, as well as tomorrow morning’s breakfast. There’s a fire, dry kindling, a nearby water source, and a crude shelter on high ground. Luckily it’s looking like a clear sky tonight. Despite being marooned, the odds are looking to be in my favor.
I’m honestly just happy that I survived the crash into the rocky shore. When the crunch of smashing wood first hit my ears, part of me thought I had already died, and the sound was just a memory. Luckily, with some quick thinking, I was able to bail out and swim around to the sand. I could kick myself for going out this far by myself, but there’s enough time for that after I’m sure I’ll stay alive long enough to entail a punishment.
After looking through the wreckage, there was very little I could salvage: this notebook and pen (it was going to be for my research of the wildlife in these waters), two lighters, a first aid kit, a waterproof flashlight, and some spare parts for shelter and fire wood. As luck would have it, my older brother took me survival camping all the time, and I think that I have an honest shot.
While most of me is busy planning ahead, planning out a schedule for tomorrow, double counting supplies, wondering how much fish, game, and fruit this island holds, and so forth, there’s a part of me that can’t help but entertain the question: are they still waiting for me, back home? I said I’d be back home by 7. It’s only been 15 minutes now. How long will it be before my brother starts searching for me, or my father calls the police?
It doesn’t matter, as long as I make sure that I’m still alive when they find me. That’s the one thing that truly matters right now.
I had better eat and turn in early. I want to have enough energy to gather more supplies, and hopefully some materials for a return raft home (if it comes to that).
June, 3, 2013 10:43 PM
A weird sound just woke me up. I can’t help but feel uneasy. It wasn’t any normal animal sound like crickets or a bear (although the distinguishable chirping and several other sounds are also present). No, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. At first I thought it was some sort of bird. But after I woke up a little more, I couldn’t tell if it was a bird or a human voice. Whenever I confirm one explanation, it starts to sound like the other.
I don’t know if I’m just tired, or if I’m just going a little crazy from being alone, or if I’m scared about surviving by myself. I’m just starting to feel really freaked out right now. I’ve never been on my own like this before. At least not without my brother. I really wish he was here to tell me what that sound is. He’d be able to tell me.
Goodness, it’s still going on! It’s been a half hour since it first started! At first it was nice, even soothing. Now... now it’s just grating. It’s like the moaning zombies on the first day of an apocalypse. You don’t think unnerving sounds can get to you. You’re a rock with nerves of steel, right? You know that the sounds can get to you, so you don’t let them. But they do… and how they do.
I just pray it stops soon. I wish I weren’t so terrified, because it really is a lovely sound. It’s so beautiful. I almost want to follow it. That just scares me more. Follow it? It’s the dead of night. It’s dangerous enough inside my shelter! What kind of sound would actually make leaving my campsite and head into the dark wilderness sound like a good idea? What can’t I block it out? WHY?!
I just want to sleep, damn it! I just
Okay… it took me a few minutes to truly believe, but I think it stopped. I’m mostly relived, but a part of me is a bit disappointed. Looking back, I really wish that I could have eased up and enjoyed that sound while it lasted. If I had known it would only last for thirty minutes, I would have let it lull me to sleep. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow I’ll explore and try to find what made that sound.
June 4, 2013 8:12 AM
I woke to the soothing sounds of birds this morning. At least I thought I did. As my consciousness came back bit by bit, I noticed that it was the same sound as before, yet different. It was still like the mix of a human singing voice and a bird, but last night’s sound was more masculine. Like those boy band members who almost sound like girls if you close your eyes (think Justin Beiber in the beginning of his career). This is definitely a more feminine sound.
With the sun rising in the sky, I decided to follow it into the woods. I grabbed one of my stocked passion fruits and headed into the wild. The island, I should note, is more of a tropical jungle than a forest. Whatever was growling last night wasn’t a bear. Just in case I survive long enough to have anyone read this, I’m not that dumb (I was just tired and going crazy, okay?).
Anyway, I’ve headed into the woods. I haven’t gone very far, and I’ve already found the source, bathing in my water supply (it’s running water, so it should still be fine). I only wish I had a camera, or at least was good at drawing! No one will ever, in a million years, believe me!
Remember how I said it was a human voice and bird chirping in one? Well, that’s precisely what the source of the sound is! A human mixed with a bird! She is simply gorgeous: long, flowing, blonde hair and her body covered in bright green and blue feathers. Her body has smaller feathers, with the constancy of down, covering her like a strapless, one-piece bathing suit. Her arms have longer feathers running from shoulder to wrist, forming wings. She doesn’t have clothes, but the smaller feathers on her body cover enough.
I think I learned about these things in school: Sirens. Who knew that the Odyssey was based on a true story? LOL!
I’m currently hiding behind a tree as I jot this down. I think I’ll try to talk with her.
June 4, 2013 12:34 PM
These Sirens are so lovely! The one described above is named Desiré, and despite being so frightened last night, she assured me that singing I heard was the common sound all her people make. That’s right, there are more! An entire tribe. She says that the elders don’t welcome strangers right away, so I wasn’t able to see, but still! I’m totally psyched right now!
Anyway, the sound was just how they communicate across the island. It’s the same way that wolves howl. They do it to make sure that everyone knows where they are, and to tell Sirens in certain areas of the island to do certain things or bring back certain supplies (sort of like how Dad would call me when I was at the mall and ask me to pick up some Co Co Puffs and Vaseline on the way home). Hearing about it was simply fascinating!
I told Desiré about the sound I heard last night. She said that only one Siren was away from the tribe at that time: a male Siren named Kama. She actually went to go get him for me so I could meet him. He was so apologetic when I told him how freaked out I got. He said that he was out double checking his traps, and was giving the tribe a constant update on his location.
As many times as I assured him that it was fine, he still apologized over and over. He actually offered to help me improve my campsite and bring me food, as a way of making it up to me. He also said he would teach me a better way to fish out here. I feel so stupid for being scared earlier. But I’m so glad I decided to check it out for myself!
He’s coming back to my campsite in a little while. Now I really wish I had a camera, because, to be completely honest… he’s sort of a hunk. His skin is so tan, his muscles so buff. He even had some tattoos. Those tribal bands around the arms, you know? And unlike per usual, they actually mean something! And he has the deepest green eyes that you’ll ever see in your entire eyes! OMG, I’m practically in love already!
You wanna know the best part? Like Desiré, he didn’t have clothes on either (but a suggestively placed bundle of bright red feathers). I was blushing so red.
Oh, here he comes now!
June 4, 2013 6:23 PM
Just writing down some rules for future reference here. Apparently the elders are a little more wary of strangers than I thought. There aren’t many rules, and considering that they were here first, I can understand a few rules. So:
xxx1. There is a line of turquoise stones that line the jungle floor. Do not move them under any circumstances
xxx2. The line of turquoise rocks cuts the island in half. I am to stay on my half of the island until I’m told otherwise.
xxx3. I am only allowed to talk to a Siren that has previously spoken with me. For now, that is Desiré and Kama.
xxx4. To preserve the island, I should only eat just enough food to be able to thrive (basically, I can eat whatever as long as I don’t pig out and eat everything. It’s more of an honor system on this one).
Those were all the rules I were given, but if there were a fifth rule, I suppose it would be that more rules can be given to me at any time as long as I’m here.
I actually expected them to say something about not telling anyone back home, but they didn’t even mention it. I don’t know whether it’s because they think I moved here permanently, or because they just don’t expect anyone to believe me. On the one hand, they haven’t really talked about when I’ll be going home. On the other hand, it could be one of those “needless to say” things.
June 8, 2013 12:45 PM
Things on the island have been great so far! I’ve actually been really distracted, because for being marooned on an uncharted island, I’m having a lot of fun. I’m still worried about my dad and brother, but I know they’re looking for me. And I’m alive for them to find, so it’s all okay!
Desiré has dropped in once or twice, usually bearing peace offerings from the tribe, to symbolize good will. Basically, it’s like everyone in school giving the foreign exchange student free stuff because he’s from out of the country. But hey! Free stuff, right?
Kama, on the other hand, is a lot more social with me. What started out as some apology work has actually turned into a real friendship. Of course, part of me hopes that I can get some island love to bloom before I’m rescued. He’s so dreamy, not to mention strong, caring, funny, and sooooo nice! We’ve spent every day together, and he’s shown me so much of this island.
There’s a spot further up down the river where the water pools up a little, naturally. The flowers that grow on the bank are amazing. Deep royal blues, brightly hued reds, electric yellows and greens, and bright popping pinks that will blow your mind. I had no idea colors like that existed. And their designs are stunning! Like a fireworks show sprouting out of the ground in an awe-inspiring display.
Of course, Kama brought me there because it was one of the islands several swimming pools. He actually seemed curious as to why I was ogling the flowers so much. I tried to explain that flowers like that didn’t grow back home, but he couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Cultural differences, I suppose.
He also introduced me to the wildlife, as well as giving me a lesson as to what is and isn’t okay to eat. Basically, the only orange fruit that isn’t poisonous grows on the trees. Before eating blue berries, rub one on the ground and see if it sizzles (no sizzling=okay to eat). The red berries are always poisonous, and the green ones are always too ripe. The pink berries should always be okay to eat, as long as they don’t have spots (that means it’s over ripe, and when they get to ripe, they create a toxin). It’s a good thing I learned about them: the pink berries are the most delicious fruit I’ve ever eaten in my life. I told Kama that he should sell them to the mainland. When he asked what selling was, I tried to explain the concept of money. In the end, it left us both a little confused.
Tomorrow, I’m putting into action a plan that will make that island romance of ours bloom for certain: a romantic sunset dinner! I already invited him, and he’s already taught me how to hunt, trap, fish, and gather, as well as cook! Maybe he’ll even come back home with me! That would be a dream come true.
June 9 2013 5:13 PM
Okay, so I ran into a bit of trouble. Maybe if I write it out, I’ll be able to sort it out in my head.
So, I was trying to catch this island boar that escaped a trap I set. I would have just reset the trap, but it was already wounded, and I wouldn’t have been able to catch a new one in time for dinner. So I was chasing it through the woods, not really paying attention.
By the time I catch it, I’m already through the jungle and on the beach. I catch it, smash its head in, the whole nine yards. But when I look around, I can instantly tell that I’m over the line. A common mistake, right? I was so intent on catching that stupid boar!
So, I turn around to go back (before I’m caught), when I suddenly realize what’s on the shore: ships. And not just a few! No! Several! At least a hundred, maybe two hundred, crashed on a shore that was ten times more jagged and rocky than the one I crashed on the other side of the island.
What was even more unsettling… there were bones in the sand. And not just a few scattered bones! Oh no! Literally hundreds upon hundreds of bones. And I swear to God, they were human! They had to be! No one but a human has that kind of skull. I could have brushed it off as that’s where the Sirens dump the bones of the game they catch, but no other creature on this island— in this WORLD, has that shape of skull!
I was stunned. I could do nothing but quake there, in the sand, knees buckling. When I got part of my wits back, I ran from the beach, into the jungle, not stopping until I reached my campsite again.
I’ve tried to think of an explanation ever since I got back. Nothing seemed to fit. Where did those boats come from? Who were those people that the bones belonged to? And more importantly, if my dad and brother are looking for me… am I going to be alive to greet them?
I shouldn’t have invited Kama to dinner. This whole thing was a mistake! I should have just stayed here, in my campsite, and waited for rescue. I’m so stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! And now, I’m going to die! I just know it! They’re going to find out, and they’re going to kill me, dip my body in a pool of flesh eating piranha, and throw my bones in the sand with all the others. God, I can’t go out this way!
Can I swim to another island? I can’t see any land, but maybe if I swim out a little ways, I’ll be able to find something. Or maybe a cruise ship will see me and take me aboard?
No… I’m stuck. I’m stuck, and I’m going to die, and… I just want to go home! I want to see my Dad, and hug him, and hear him call me his little princess. I want to see my brother and tell him I love you, and apologize for arguing with him when he said I shouldn’t go out to sea that day. He was right! And now I’m going to die! Todd, if you read this, I’m sorry! I’m so so sorry!
Oh God, Kama’s here!
June 9 2013, 7:27 PM
Sheesh, did I actually write that? I’m such a fricking drama queen. Of course, I did think I was going to die, so I suppose it’s not completely ridiculous that I would freak out a little. And for the record, Todd, I am sorry, but you still didn’t have to talk to me like some little kid, you know. Jerk…
Anyway, Kama saw me crying, and in a fit of fear and sorrow, I told him what happened. He seemed pretty understanding, and he was actually able to explain what I saw:
The boats on the shore were the vessels that had crashed there over the centuries. That part of the Odyssey where the Siren’s songs would lure sailors to them wasn’t just something that… sheesh, who wrote the Odyssey again? Anyway, it wasn’t something that was made up by the author Homer (I finally remembered). When the Sirens on this island “sang”, it would attract sailors to the island by accident, causing them to crash. It wasn’t something the Siren’s intended, mind you. It just happened that way.
And like with me, the Sirens were very welcoming to these new comers. So the bones? Well, sometimes the newcomers weren’t so welcoming to them. In fact, most often, the people aboard the boats would attack the poor Sirens out of fear (as flawed humans do). So of course, they have the full right to defend themselves. The bones were the remains of the humans who threatened them and were killed in battle. And since bones don’t rot as fast as flesh, that’s why there are so many.
Thinking back on it, I was a little stupid to instantly assume that something was amiss, but Kama understood. After all, the only reason that the elders didn’t want me to cross over was because they were afraid I would get scared, and figured that I had been scared enough.
That being the case, he said that he would explain this to the elders and ask if I could come have dinner with their tribe. It actually sounds like a lot of fun! I really want to meet all these nice Sirens.
June 10, 2013 6:34 PM
The elders said yes! I’m actually sitting at the table (in the seat of honor, as they said); trying to get a few words down before dinner starts. Everything is just beautiful.
Everyone seems so happy here. There’s a smile on everyone’s face, and everyone does their part to help clean and cook and take care of everyone. Oh, and I wish you could see how adorable these little kids look! They look like brightly colored little penguins (nix beak)!
And I think I understand why Kama was so perplexed about why I was so mesmerized by the flowers next to the swimming pool: the flora around the tribe is just so… I can’t even put into words how vibrant and full these colors are! It’s like I fell into a work of art! I mean, I feel like my eyes are about to pop out of my head, it’s so bright and colorful here! And it’s not just in a few places either. Nu-uh! These flowers are EVERYWHERE!
And everything is handmade too. Needless to say, but it’s still pretty cool. The table, the chairs, the huts, everything is made from wood, bones, and hide. It’s astounding.
I’m actually getting pretty hungry. Luckily, they have little bowls of pink berries to munch on. Everyone’s been so nice to me since I arrived in the tribe. They put a fur robe around me; put me in a seat of honor. Seriously, what did I do to deserve to be treated like this? I like being treated like royalty (who doesn’t?), but I feel like it’s a bit undeserved.
They’ve all been talking up this really big dinner. I hope I don’t spoil my appetite on these berries. They’re so addictive!
Oh, the elder said that we’re going to start eating soon. Bye!
June 10, ’13 Night
These might be the last words I’m able to write. I’m close to shore, trying to hide. I don’t have much time before they catch up to me.
Whoever comes here, whoever reads this, run. Just run away and don’t look back. Swim if you have to. Everything I’ve written is a lie. The Sirens are not who they seem. They are
June, 3, 2013 7:14 PM
I have everything set up, I think. I was able to gather enough fruit and game for a meal tonight, as well as tomorrow morning’s breakfast. There’s a fire, dry kindling, a nearby water source, and a crude shelter on high ground. Luckily it’s looking like a clear sky tonight. Despite being marooned, the odds are looking to be in my favor.
I’m honestly just happy that I survived the crash into the rocky shore. When the crunch of smashing wood first hit my ears, part of me thought I had already died, and the sound was just a memory. Luckily, with some quick thinking, I was able to bail out and swim around to the sand. I could kick myself for going out this far by myself, but there’s enough time for that after I’m sure I’ll stay alive long enough to entail a punishment.
After looking through the wreckage, there was very little I could salvage: this notebook and pen (it was going to be for my research of the wildlife in these waters), two lighters, a first aid kit, a waterproof flashlight, and some spare parts for shelter and fire wood. As luck would have it, my older brother took me survival camping all the time, and I think that I have an honest shot.
While most of me is busy planning ahead, planning out a schedule for tomorrow, double counting supplies, wondering how much fish, game, and fruit this island holds, and so forth, there’s a part of me that can’t help but entertain the question: are they still waiting for me, back home? I said I’d be back home by 7. It’s only been 15 minutes now. How long will it be before my brother starts searching for me, or my father calls the police?
It doesn’t matter, as long as I make sure that I’m still alive when they find me. That’s the one thing that truly matters right now.
I had better eat and turn in early. I want to have enough energy to gather more supplies, and hopefully some materials for a return raft home (if it comes to that).
June, 3, 2013 10:43 PM
A weird sound just woke me up. I can’t help but feel uneasy. It wasn’t any normal animal sound like crickets or a bear (although the distinguishable chirping and several other sounds are also present). No, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. At first I thought it was some sort of bird. But after I woke up a little more, I couldn’t tell if it was a bird or a human voice. Whenever I confirm one explanation, it starts to sound like the other.
I don’t know if I’m just tired, or if I’m just going a little crazy from being alone, or if I’m scared about surviving by myself. I’m just starting to feel really freaked out right now. I’ve never been on my own like this before. At least not without my brother. I really wish he was here to tell me what that sound is. He’d be able to tell me.
Goodness, it’s still going on! It’s been a half hour since it first started! At first it was nice, even soothing. Now... now it’s just grating. It’s like the moaning zombies on the first day of an apocalypse. You don’t think unnerving sounds can get to you. You’re a rock with nerves of steel, right? You know that the sounds can get to you, so you don’t let them. But they do… and how they do.
I just pray it stops soon. I wish I weren’t so terrified, because it really is a lovely sound. It’s so beautiful. I almost want to follow it. That just scares me more. Follow it? It’s the dead of night. It’s dangerous enough inside my shelter! What kind of sound would actually make leaving my campsite and head into the dark wilderness sound like a good idea? What can’t I block it out? WHY?!
I just want to sleep, damn it! I just
Okay… it took me a few minutes to truly believe, but I think it stopped. I’m mostly relived, but a part of me is a bit disappointed. Looking back, I really wish that I could have eased up and enjoyed that sound while it lasted. If I had known it would only last for thirty minutes, I would have let it lull me to sleep. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow I’ll explore and try to find what made that sound.
June 4, 2013 8:12 AM
I woke to the soothing sounds of birds this morning. At least I thought I did. As my consciousness came back bit by bit, I noticed that it was the same sound as before, yet different. It was still like the mix of a human singing voice and a bird, but last night’s sound was more masculine. Like those boy band members who almost sound like girls if you close your eyes (think Justin Beiber in the beginning of his career). This is definitely a more feminine sound.
With the sun rising in the sky, I decided to follow it into the woods. I grabbed one of my stocked passion fruits and headed into the wild. The island, I should note, is more of a tropical jungle than a forest. Whatever was growling last night wasn’t a bear. Just in case I survive long enough to have anyone read this, I’m not that dumb (I was just tired and going crazy, okay?).
Anyway, I’ve headed into the woods. I haven’t gone very far, and I’ve already found the source, bathing in my water supply (it’s running water, so it should still be fine). I only wish I had a camera, or at least was good at drawing! No one will ever, in a million years, believe me!
Remember how I said it was a human voice and bird chirping in one? Well, that’s precisely what the source of the sound is! A human mixed with a bird! She is simply gorgeous: long, flowing, blonde hair and her body covered in bright green and blue feathers. Her body has smaller feathers, with the constancy of down, covering her like a strapless, one-piece bathing suit. Her arms have longer feathers running from shoulder to wrist, forming wings. She doesn’t have clothes, but the smaller feathers on her body cover enough.
I think I learned about these things in school: Sirens. Who knew that the Odyssey was based on a true story? LOL!
I’m currently hiding behind a tree as I jot this down. I think I’ll try to talk with her.
June 4, 2013 12:34 PM
These Sirens are so lovely! The one described above is named Desiré, and despite being so frightened last night, she assured me that singing I heard was the common sound all her people make. That’s right, there are more! An entire tribe. She says that the elders don’t welcome strangers right away, so I wasn’t able to see, but still! I’m totally psyched right now!
Anyway, the sound was just how they communicate across the island. It’s the same way that wolves howl. They do it to make sure that everyone knows where they are, and to tell Sirens in certain areas of the island to do certain things or bring back certain supplies (sort of like how Dad would call me when I was at the mall and ask me to pick up some Co Co Puffs and Vaseline on the way home). Hearing about it was simply fascinating!
I told Desiré about the sound I heard last night. She said that only one Siren was away from the tribe at that time: a male Siren named Kama. She actually went to go get him for me so I could meet him. He was so apologetic when I told him how freaked out I got. He said that he was out double checking his traps, and was giving the tribe a constant update on his location.
As many times as I assured him that it was fine, he still apologized over and over. He actually offered to help me improve my campsite and bring me food, as a way of making it up to me. He also said he would teach me a better way to fish out here. I feel so stupid for being scared earlier. But I’m so glad I decided to check it out for myself!
He’s coming back to my campsite in a little while. Now I really wish I had a camera, because, to be completely honest… he’s sort of a hunk. His skin is so tan, his muscles so buff. He even had some tattoos. Those tribal bands around the arms, you know? And unlike per usual, they actually mean something! And he has the deepest green eyes that you’ll ever see in your entire eyes! OMG, I’m practically in love already!
You wanna know the best part? Like Desiré, he didn’t have clothes on either (but a suggestively placed bundle of bright red feathers). I was blushing so red.
Oh, here he comes now!
June 4, 2013 6:23 PM
Just writing down some rules for future reference here. Apparently the elders are a little more wary of strangers than I thought. There aren’t many rules, and considering that they were here first, I can understand a few rules. So:
xxx1. There is a line of turquoise stones that line the jungle floor. Do not move them under any circumstances
xxx2. The line of turquoise rocks cuts the island in half. I am to stay on my half of the island until I’m told otherwise.
xxx3. I am only allowed to talk to a Siren that has previously spoken with me. For now, that is Desiré and Kama.
xxx4. To preserve the island, I should only eat just enough food to be able to thrive (basically, I can eat whatever as long as I don’t pig out and eat everything. It’s more of an honor system on this one).
Those were all the rules I were given, but if there were a fifth rule, I suppose it would be that more rules can be given to me at any time as long as I’m here.
I actually expected them to say something about not telling anyone back home, but they didn’t even mention it. I don’t know whether it’s because they think I moved here permanently, or because they just don’t expect anyone to believe me. On the one hand, they haven’t really talked about when I’ll be going home. On the other hand, it could be one of those “needless to say” things.
June 8, 2013 12:45 PM
Things on the island have been great so far! I’ve actually been really distracted, because for being marooned on an uncharted island, I’m having a lot of fun. I’m still worried about my dad and brother, but I know they’re looking for me. And I’m alive for them to find, so it’s all okay!
Desiré has dropped in once or twice, usually bearing peace offerings from the tribe, to symbolize good will. Basically, it’s like everyone in school giving the foreign exchange student free stuff because he’s from out of the country. But hey! Free stuff, right?
Kama, on the other hand, is a lot more social with me. What started out as some apology work has actually turned into a real friendship. Of course, part of me hopes that I can get some island love to bloom before I’m rescued. He’s so dreamy, not to mention strong, caring, funny, and sooooo nice! We’ve spent every day together, and he’s shown me so much of this island.
There’s a spot further up down the river where the water pools up a little, naturally. The flowers that grow on the bank are amazing. Deep royal blues, brightly hued reds, electric yellows and greens, and bright popping pinks that will blow your mind. I had no idea colors like that existed. And their designs are stunning! Like a fireworks show sprouting out of the ground in an awe-inspiring display.
Of course, Kama brought me there because it was one of the islands several swimming pools. He actually seemed curious as to why I was ogling the flowers so much. I tried to explain that flowers like that didn’t grow back home, but he couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Cultural differences, I suppose.
He also introduced me to the wildlife, as well as giving me a lesson as to what is and isn’t okay to eat. Basically, the only orange fruit that isn’t poisonous grows on the trees. Before eating blue berries, rub one on the ground and see if it sizzles (no sizzling=okay to eat). The red berries are always poisonous, and the green ones are always too ripe. The pink berries should always be okay to eat, as long as they don’t have spots (that means it’s over ripe, and when they get to ripe, they create a toxin). It’s a good thing I learned about them: the pink berries are the most delicious fruit I’ve ever eaten in my life. I told Kama that he should sell them to the mainland. When he asked what selling was, I tried to explain the concept of money. In the end, it left us both a little confused.
Tomorrow, I’m putting into action a plan that will make that island romance of ours bloom for certain: a romantic sunset dinner! I already invited him, and he’s already taught me how to hunt, trap, fish, and gather, as well as cook! Maybe he’ll even come back home with me! That would be a dream come true.
June 9 2013 5:13 PM
Okay, so I ran into a bit of trouble. Maybe if I write it out, I’ll be able to sort it out in my head.
So, I was trying to catch this island boar that escaped a trap I set. I would have just reset the trap, but it was already wounded, and I wouldn’t have been able to catch a new one in time for dinner. So I was chasing it through the woods, not really paying attention.
By the time I catch it, I’m already through the jungle and on the beach. I catch it, smash its head in, the whole nine yards. But when I look around, I can instantly tell that I’m over the line. A common mistake, right? I was so intent on catching that stupid boar!
So, I turn around to go back (before I’m caught), when I suddenly realize what’s on the shore: ships. And not just a few! No! Several! At least a hundred, maybe two hundred, crashed on a shore that was ten times more jagged and rocky than the one I crashed on the other side of the island.
What was even more unsettling… there were bones in the sand. And not just a few scattered bones! Oh no! Literally hundreds upon hundreds of bones. And I swear to God, they were human! They had to be! No one but a human has that kind of skull. I could have brushed it off as that’s where the Sirens dump the bones of the game they catch, but no other creature on this island— in this WORLD, has that shape of skull!
I was stunned. I could do nothing but quake there, in the sand, knees buckling. When I got part of my wits back, I ran from the beach, into the jungle, not stopping until I reached my campsite again.
I’ve tried to think of an explanation ever since I got back. Nothing seemed to fit. Where did those boats come from? Who were those people that the bones belonged to? And more importantly, if my dad and brother are looking for me… am I going to be alive to greet them?
I shouldn’t have invited Kama to dinner. This whole thing was a mistake! I should have just stayed here, in my campsite, and waited for rescue. I’m so stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! And now, I’m going to die! I just know it! They’re going to find out, and they’re going to kill me, dip my body in a pool of flesh eating piranha, and throw my bones in the sand with all the others. God, I can’t go out this way!
Can I swim to another island? I can’t see any land, but maybe if I swim out a little ways, I’ll be able to find something. Or maybe a cruise ship will see me and take me aboard?
No… I’m stuck. I’m stuck, and I’m going to die, and… I just want to go home! I want to see my Dad, and hug him, and hear him call me his little princess. I want to see my brother and tell him I love you, and apologize for arguing with him when he said I shouldn’t go out to sea that day. He was right! And now I’m going to die! Todd, if you read this, I’m sorry! I’m so so sorry!
Oh God, Kama’s here!
June 9 2013, 7:27 PM
Sheesh, did I actually write that? I’m such a fricking drama queen. Of course, I did think I was going to die, so I suppose it’s not completely ridiculous that I would freak out a little. And for the record, Todd, I am sorry, but you still didn’t have to talk to me like some little kid, you know. Jerk…
Anyway, Kama saw me crying, and in a fit of fear and sorrow, I told him what happened. He seemed pretty understanding, and he was actually able to explain what I saw:
The boats on the shore were the vessels that had crashed there over the centuries. That part of the Odyssey where the Siren’s songs would lure sailors to them wasn’t just something that… sheesh, who wrote the Odyssey again? Anyway, it wasn’t something that was made up by the author Homer (I finally remembered). When the Sirens on this island “sang”, it would attract sailors to the island by accident, causing them to crash. It wasn’t something the Siren’s intended, mind you. It just happened that way.
And like with me, the Sirens were very welcoming to these new comers. So the bones? Well, sometimes the newcomers weren’t so welcoming to them. In fact, most often, the people aboard the boats would attack the poor Sirens out of fear (as flawed humans do). So of course, they have the full right to defend themselves. The bones were the remains of the humans who threatened them and were killed in battle. And since bones don’t rot as fast as flesh, that’s why there are so many.
Thinking back on it, I was a little stupid to instantly assume that something was amiss, but Kama understood. After all, the only reason that the elders didn’t want me to cross over was because they were afraid I would get scared, and figured that I had been scared enough.
That being the case, he said that he would explain this to the elders and ask if I could come have dinner with their tribe. It actually sounds like a lot of fun! I really want to meet all these nice Sirens.
June 10, 2013 6:34 PM
The elders said yes! I’m actually sitting at the table (in the seat of honor, as they said); trying to get a few words down before dinner starts. Everything is just beautiful.
Everyone seems so happy here. There’s a smile on everyone’s face, and everyone does their part to help clean and cook and take care of everyone. Oh, and I wish you could see how adorable these little kids look! They look like brightly colored little penguins (nix beak)!
And I think I understand why Kama was so perplexed about why I was so mesmerized by the flowers next to the swimming pool: the flora around the tribe is just so… I can’t even put into words how vibrant and full these colors are! It’s like I fell into a work of art! I mean, I feel like my eyes are about to pop out of my head, it’s so bright and colorful here! And it’s not just in a few places either. Nu-uh! These flowers are EVERYWHERE!
And everything is handmade too. Needless to say, but it’s still pretty cool. The table, the chairs, the huts, everything is made from wood, bones, and hide. It’s astounding.
I’m actually getting pretty hungry. Luckily, they have little bowls of pink berries to munch on. Everyone’s been so nice to me since I arrived in the tribe. They put a fur robe around me; put me in a seat of honor. Seriously, what did I do to deserve to be treated like this? I like being treated like royalty (who doesn’t?), but I feel like it’s a bit undeserved.
They’ve all been talking up this really big dinner. I hope I don’t spoil my appetite on these berries. They’re so addictive!
Oh, the elder said that we’re going to start eating soon. Bye!
June 10, ’13 Night
These might be the last words I’m able to write. I’m close to shore, trying to hide. I don’t have much time before they catch up to me.
Whoever comes here, whoever reads this, run. Just run away and don’t look back. Swim if you have to. Everything I’ve written is a lie. The Sirens are not who they seem. They are
