Locating the Waterfall
1309 Words
"Not sure what?" Asked Adora.
Eric didn't answer; he looked straight ahead.
The sunlight was getting higher when Eric checked the condition of Adora's leg after being smeared with daffodil leaves a few moments ago. The swelling was still visible, although not as severe as before. However, he still doubted whether Adora could walk properly today.
"You're not sure what, Eric?" Adora asked again.
"I'm not sure we can go too far today." Eric said as he looked at Adora's still slightly red leg.
"Why?" Adora tried to move her leg. "Look, it's much better than last night."
"Still, the swelling hasn't gone away completely," Eric said in a worried tone. "How about we rest for one more day?"
Adora, who was trying to move her ankle slowly, gave a small snort. "We can't stay here all the time. This cave did protect us from the storm last night, but it's not a place worth staying for long."
"Not sure what?" asked Adora.
Eric didn't answer, he looked straight ahead.
The sunlight was getting higher when Eric checked the condition of Adora's leg after being smeared with daffodil leaves a few moments ago. The swelling was still visible, although not as severe as before. However, he still doubted whether Adora could walk properly today.
"You're not sure what, Eric?" Adora asked again.
"I'm not sure we can go too far today." Eric said as he looked at Adora's still slightly red leg.
"Why?" Adora tried to move her leg. "Look, it's much better than last night."
"Still, the swelling hasn't gone away completely." Eric said in a worried tone. "How about we rest for one more day?"
Adora, who was trying to move her ankle slowly, gave a small snort. "We can't stay here all the time. This cave did protect us from the storm last night, but it's not a place worth staying for long."
"I'm not lying." Adora said in a serious tone. "It still hurts, yes, but not as badly as last night. I can handle it."
"Sure?"
Adora nodded firmly. "I can. I don't want to just sit around and wait. We need to find a water source and a safer place."
"Water source." Eric muttered. "I think I heard the sound of a waterfall this morning. It's probably not too far from here."
"There it is!" Exclaimed Adora excitedly. "We should head there. A waterfall means clean water, and there might be a more decent place to spend the night. I told you yesterday; I heard it too."
Eric let out a long sigh. He knew Adora was stubborn, and in a situation like this, they really didn't have much choice but to keep moving.
"Alright, you win," Eric said finally. "But at least let me prepare everything."
"Prepare what?" asked Adora.
"We still have a lot of stuff left in the hut from last night," Eric replied. "I need to get it before we leave."
"I'm coming," said Adora, trying to stand up.
Eric shook his head firmly. "No, no, no. You wait here. I won't be long."
"But-"
"Look," Eric cut in, "if you push yourself now, your leg will get worse. Then we really can't go anywhere. Do you want that to happen?"
Adora was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Okay. I'll wait here."
"Now be an obedient child once in a while."
Adora pursed her lips. "Don't take too long."
"I promise," Eric said, nodding confidently. "Just grab the essentials, then come back. No more than half an hour."
"Okay, I'll take your word for it," Adora said, smiling slightly. "Be careful."
Eric just nodded, then quickly walked away from the cave.
After a few minutes of walking, Eric finally arrived at the location of their hut, which had now collapsed due to the storm last night. The remains of woven coconut leaves were scattered on the ground, the branches they had arranged as walls were broken.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath. "It's worse than I imagined."
He sighed, then began searching for salvageable items. Fortunately, the suitcase they found earlier was still there, although it was covered in mud and slightly wet. Eric opened it and checked the contents.
"At least it's still intact," he said to himself as he lifted the suitcase.
There were some dry clothes that could still be used, some matches, and a small knife that could be useful for survival.
"At least it's better than nothing," he muttered.
He closed the suitcase, then looked around. "Is there anything left?" he asked himself. His eyes caught something shiny among the broken branches. It was in the pocket of the shirt he had taken out of the suitcase last night.
"Ah, a compass," he said as he picked it up. He had a big smile on his face.
He put all the items into the suitcase, then closed it again. After making sure nothing was left behind, he quickly returned to the cave where Adora was waiting.
"Adora?" he called as he entered the cave. "I'm back."
When Eric arrived, Adora was already standing while leaning against the cave wall. Her face was a little tense, but there was a strong determination in her eyes.
"Are you sure you're ready?" Eric asked as he placed the suitcase on the ground.
"I have been," Adora replied. "What did you find?"
Eric opened the suitcase and showed her the contents. "Dry clothes, matches, and a small knife. Also this compass," he said as he showed the compass he had found.
"A compass?" Adora's eyes lit up. "That will be very helpful! At least we won't get lost."
"Well, hopefully," Eric said. "But it's pretty old. I'm not sure it's still accurate."
"Better than nothing," Adora said, repeating Eric's earlier words.
Eric gave a small smile. "You're right."
Adora nodded. "Yes. I don't want to wait any longer. Let's find a better place."
"What about your leg?" asked Eric, still worried. "Are you sure you can walk that far?"
"I'll be fine," Adora replied confidently. "Besides, you're right next to me, right? If I fall, you can catch me."
Eric chuckled. "Since when did you become this optimistic?"
"Since I knew we had no other choice," Adora replied with a smile.
Eric looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But if you're in pain, tell me. Don't push yourself."
"I promise," Adora said. "We can rest anytime if we need to."
Adora smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I won't collapse just because of this."
"I have your word," Eric said, picking up the suitcase. "Come on, let's go. The sound of the waterfall can be heard from the east."
"Are you sure?" asked Adora.
Eric nodded. "Pretty sure. This compass points east of there," he said, pointing. "And the sound of the water is coming from the same direction."
"All right," said Adora. "I trust you. Lead the way, captain."
Eric smiled, then offered Adora his arm. "Hold on to me if you need to."
Adora took Eric's arm, feeling a little more secure. "Thank you."
With that, they prepared to leave the cave, stepping toward the faint sound of a waterfall in the distance. They didn't know what awaited them ahead, but one thing was certain—they had to survive, no matter what.
"We'll find a better place," Eric said softly. "I promise."
"I know," Adora replied. "We'll survive together."
With slow but steady steps, they walked out of the cave, leaving behind their temporary shelter and heading toward an uncertain future, but with hope still burning in their hearts.
"I never imagined our vacation would end up like this," Adora muttered as they walked.
"By the way, you never told me who you were with on that cruise ship," Eric asked.
Adora's face suddenly changed. "I was on the ship with –"
- Writer
