Chapter 59
1152 Words
Because of the terrifying attack by the thylacoleo, we became increasingly cautious in the following days.
By the afternoon of the next day, I had dug a new toilet inside the cave. This toilet was dug very deep and connected directly to the underground river below the cave, so our waste would be carried away by the river, maintaining hygiene.
The most encouraging news was that Susie's condition improved gradually under Zoe's meticulous care. Although she was still very weak, her fever had subsided, her wounds had not become infected, and she was conscious again. Although she couldn't participate in labor, she could at least feed herself.
I had to marvel at Susie's luck in surviving this ordeal. She was very grateful to Zoe and me. She thanked us several times, which left Zoe flustered and blushing.
Apart from this good news, everything else seemed to be going in the wrong direction.
Firstly, our food supply was dwindling. We had to ration our meals, often going to bed hungry.
Despite spending a lot of time searching for food, my efficiency was significantly reduced as I remained vigilant against another attack from the monster.
The thylacoleo had retreated after being hurt, but it hadn't gone far. I often found sharp claw marks on trees not far from the cave. It seemed to have a habit of sharpening its claws, and wherever it appeared, claw marks were inevitable.
It was a warning for me. Whenever I saw fresh marks in the forest, I would leave quickly. This habit of observing the signs had probably saved my life many times.
It went on for about eleven or twelve days until I suddenly realized that I hadn't seen any new claw marks for four or five days.
I guessed that the monster had likely left the area, a realization that brought immense relief to everyone. We all felt relieved.
During this period, the monster's presence made us feel like a small boat in a storm, always in danger of being capsized by a sudden wave.
One day, we took out some of our previously stored cured meat and had a hearty meal to celebrate the good news!
For the first time, I could say that the shadow of the thylacoleo had truly left us. We were safe!
They said misfortune never come alone, and it seemed the same was true for good luck. After the thylacoleo finally left us alone, the relentless blizzard also began to subside, signaling the end of the harsh winter!
Perhaps it was because the blizzard was ending that the thylacoleo left this forest and returned to its previous territory. But it was just a guess; we couldn't be sure.
I could only be happy that the darkest times were finally coming to an end! The end of the blizzard meant that we could resume our plans for the boat!
The next morning, when everyone got up, we found the long-awaited sunlight shining on the island once again.
The weather was still cold, and the sunlight appeared pale and dim, failing to evoke a sense of vitality. But at that moment, it was the most beautiful thing in my heart. This was our hope for survival!
Stella and Zoe, being close friends, held hands, running excitedly out of the cave. The rest of us followed behind them.
The instant the sunlight hit my body, my emotions became indescribably complex, and my eyes began to sting with tears. Stella and Zoe couldn't control their emotions either, crying as they hugged each other.
In our past urban lives, we never imagined that one day we would cry tears of joy over a pale ray of sunlight.
'These past days have been so harsh for us.' The brutal blizzard continuously wore down our body heat and willpower. Every day, we were cold and hungry, enduring agony while hoping for a morning that might still be filled with despair, not knowing when this hopeless life would end.
Every time they watched me leave the cave to search for food, they cried secretly.
Because each time I left, there was a chance I might not return. And if I collapsed in the snow from exhaustion, they wouldn't escape death either.
In the snowy landscape under the sunlight, we cheered and cried like a bunch of fools.
Someone once said that what didn't kill you would make you stronger.
I thought that if I ever returned to the city one day, I would no longer be the same person I was before. The so-called difficulties and problems I faced before now seemed trivial compared to the dangers and struggles of life.
Moreover, I had a strange feeling. Although I often slept hungry during this period, my body seemed to be getting stronger. My reflexes had improved, and my strength had increased. I felt that even if I met my former self undergoing grueling military training, I could knock him out with just a few punches.
'Pushing myself beyond my limits has unlocked my body's potential.' I couldn't think of any other explanation, so I guessed it must be that.
After the weather cleared up, the sun shone for two consecutive days, and we could clearly feel the temperature rising. The thick snow on the ground started to melt.
Having been cooped up in the cave for so long, Stella and the others wanted to go out for a walk. I hesitated for a while but eventually agreed.
The forest was still very quiet. Without the raging snowstorm blocking our view, the forest had a certain beauty. Walking in this pure white world was very pleasing to the eye.
We chatted and laughed as we made our way to a small valley near the beach. Before the snowstorm hit, we had placed our hard-earned boat there.
During this time, we were worried that the boat might have been destroyed by the storm. Unfortunately, the snow hadn't melted completely yet, and we couldn't see the boat, only the thick snow covering it.
"Zack, why don't we dig out the boat today?" Crystal suggested eagerly.
Mandy and Stella also seemed tempted and looked at me expectantly.
Originally, when the boat was finished, everyone thought we could set sail, but then the snowstorm came and delayed everything. Now, the girls were getting anxious and a bit impatient.
I stroked my chin, thinking for a moment, then shook my head. "The snow has just started to melt, and the ice underneath is still very hard. Digging it out now would be too labor-intensive. Let's wait a bit longer. How about this: let's go to the beach first and check the wind direction. If it's favorable, we'll start digging. If not, we'll wait a bit more."
My suggestion convinced the girls, and we changed direction to head towards the beach.
But none of us expected the enormous surprise waiting for us at the shore.
- Writer
