Man In The Island

Woven Coconut Leaf Door

"You must be afraid of losing me, right?" Teased Eric confidently, his tone full of mischief.

Adora scowled. "Don't be so confident, Mr. Eric. Even until next year, I won't be afraid of losing someone like you."

Eric chuckled, enjoying Adora's annoyed expression even more. "Sure?"

"Go already!" Adora scolded, pushing his shoulder.

Eric just shrugged before getting up and looking up at the sky. Clouds began to hang over the western horizon, hinting at the possibility of rain falling tonight.

The sky was getting darker, a sign that night would soon fall. The sea breeze blew gently, carrying a distinctive salty scent. Inside the simple hut they built, Adora sat on her haunches, looking at Eric with a dissatisfied face.

"I'll get some coconut fronds. We need a roof before the rain comes." She said before walking towards the coconut trees.

Adora let out a rough sigh, watching Eric, who began to climb nimbly. His hands moved deftly to find a grip on the tall tree trunk.

"Don't fall, or I won't bother helping you." Adora said sarcastically.

"Take it easy. I'm an expert at this." Eric said without turning around.

Moments later, two large fronds fell to the ground with a rustling sound. Eric dismounted nimbly and pointed at the fronds lying on the ground.

"Pick them up and bring them to the hut." He said firmly.

Adora glared. "Why should I carry it?"

"Because you're currently in my territory. Don't be lazy, Adora."

"Your territory? Since when is this island yours?"

"Since I've been working more than you," Eric replied casually. "Now hurry up with that. I still need to find coconuts for tonight's supplies."

"I don't want to!"

"Don't forget, you split the island in two, and now you're in my territory." Eric shouted from the top of the tree, his voice carrying a mocking tone.

Adora grumbled but dragged the front towards the hut anyway, swearing under her breath. Eric, who had already obtained a young coconut, surveyed its contents and then brought it back to the hut.

"If we run out of water, at least we still have this." He said as he placed the coconut in the corner of the hut.

Adora just glanced over, still upset, but in her heart, she knew that Eric had done a lot for her. Without him, she might not have made it this far. However, of cours,e she wouldn't admit it.

As the night wore on, the cold air began to slip through the cracks of their simple hut. The small fire burning in the center of the hut provided some warmth, while the sound of the waves in the distance sounded like an incessant background melody.

In a corner of the hut, Adora sat cross-legged while holding the coconut fronds she had dragged with great difficulty. Eric sat opposite her, busy slicing the fronds into smaller pieces.

"We should make a plait out of these coconut leaves to use as a door. At least it can keep out the night breeze." Eric said as he handed some leaves to Adora.

"Why do I have to weave them?" Protested Adora, staring lazily at the leaves in her hands.

"Because I climbed the tree and carried them. That's fair, isn't it?" Eric grinned.

Adora sighed but set to work. Her initially stiff fingers began to get used to folding and inserting the leaves into a woven pattern. Meanwhile, Eric was also busy with his part, making sure the woven structure was strong enough to withstand the wind.

"How long do you think we'll be stuck here?" Adora asked suddenly, her voice softer than before.

Eric paused for a moment, staring at the webbing in his hands. "It's hard to say. If there are ships passing by and we can attract their attention, it might not be long. But if not ... it could be months.

"Adora bit her lip, swallowing with difficulty. "I can't imagine being here that long."

Eric chuckled. "You're afraid you'll end up really losing me?"

Adora shot him a sharp glare. "I'm more afraid of getting tired of facing your face every day."

"Oh, that means you'll miss me when we finally get out of here?" Eric was teased again.

"Shut up already and continue weaving!" snapped Adora quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Eric chuckled but complied. They continued their work in silence, accompanied only by the sound of the crackling fire and the swish of the wind outside the hut.

After some time, Adora leaned against the bamboo wall of the hut with a sigh of relief. "It's done. Our simple door is ready to be installed."

Eric inspected their weaving and nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now we just need to install it. But later, after I've had a little sleep."

"What a slacker!"

"Hey, I've worked hard today. You too, so get some rest." Eric said as he lay down, his hands folded under his head.

Adora sighed but finally sank down, looking up at the ceiling of their hut, which still had holes in several places ."Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow." She muttered softly.

Eric, who was already half asleep, only mumbled. "And I hope you're not suddenly afraid of losing me."

Adora chuckled but did not reply. Secretly, she also wished that they could get off this island soon—although, for some reason, Eric's presence made everything feel a little lighter.

"Better put it up now, then it'll get colder!" Adora lifted the woven coconut leaves to the door and tried to lean on them. "To keep it from falling, what good is it?"

"Think for yourself; I'm going to bed." Eric turned his body to face the wall of the hut made of twigs and leaves as well.

"Ah, what an annoying man."

"No need to grumble; I can still hear!"

"Then, do me a favor so we can sleep well tonight!"

"Actually, I know a way for us to sleep well." Eric got up from his sleeping positiand on, then looked at Adora. "But I'm not sure if you'll agree with my way." He said while looking closely at Adora.

Immediately, Adora crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Don't even think about it! You're a male exhibitionist."

"Hey, I'm not! You want proof?" Eric stood up and approached Adora. One hand removed her clothes.