The Island Of Us

The smell of saltwater mixed with the earthy scent of oakwood, pine trees and plants growing in large numbers along the shores of Lougraves Island. Marissa stood on the highest point of the crag, the wind twisting and tangling her long, dark hair, though she didn’t seem to notice. Her eyes were fixed on the house below—a simple yet sturdy structure with a faded grey roof and worn-out white walls. For decades, it had been a refuge for children who had nowhere else to go. The beauty of the orange and pink sunset was lost on her; her thoughts were consumed by the fear of losing it all. Loosing Lougraves Island. It was more than just land or a shelter It was home. Over the years, it had become a safe habour, a place of love, safety, and belonging for many of the children—including Marissa, who grew up there after her mother passed away. Now, all of that was in jeopardy. The wind tugged at her hair, echoing the urgency in her heart as she clutched the letter in her pocket—the second one in a week. The letter confirmed her worst fear: the land was on the verge of being sold to the highest bidder. The Ash Group had already made an offer, applying unrelenting pressure. Despite Mrs. Hydes, the elderly landowner, resisting the sale, time was running out. Marissa had tried everything to stop it, but nothing had worked. She felt a sinking helplessness that she couldn’t shake. “Mars ” Clara’s voice broke through her thoughts. Clara, her best friend, soul sister and the head of the orphanage’s staff, stood a few feet behind her, concern etched on her face. They had been through so much together from their teenage age through adulthood navigating the ups and downs of running the orphanage. But even Clara couldn’t soothe the growing despair in Marissa’s heart. Marissa turned to face her, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. I was just…thinking.” Clara stepped closer, placing a comforting arm around her shoulder. “You’ve been out here for a while now. You need to rest.” “I’m tired, Clara,” Marissa admitted with a heavy sigh. “ I don’t know what to do,I need to find a way to save this place. If we lose Lougraves, it’s not just the house—it’s the children, the staff, everything. It’s all gonna fall apart , I can’t I… I…I”Clara squeezes her shoulder reassuringly. “It’s okay Mars,We’ll figure something out. We always do.” Marissa shook her head, tears threatening to spill. “I’ve tried everything—pleading with Mrs. Hydes, meeting with her assistant, offering compromises. She won’t budge.” Clara frowned but remained silent, understanding the depth of Marissa’s pain. The thought of losing the place that had shaped her into the woman she was today broke her heart. “I should go back to the house to talk to her,” Marissa said after a long pause. “I have to convince her to change her mind.” Clara hesitates, then softly suggested, “What about seeking help from someone else?” Marissa looks at Clara with one brow raised in curiosity , while still confused. “Who could possibly help? The Ash Group already has the money, and Mrs. Hydes—” “I mean someone on the weskthy side ,” Clara interrupted gently. “Someone with the resources to save the island in a brink.” Marissa stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. “Who? I mean … Who do you?” Clara’s eyes flickered with hesitation. “It’s an obvious guess ..There’s someone who just arrived in town… Stephen Ash.” Marissa’s breath caught at the mention of the name. Stephen Ash—the CEO of the Ash Group, the very entity threatening to take everything away. Their paths had crossed once before, years ago, and she had vowed never to see him again. “But why would he help us?” Marissa retorts, her voice sharp with skepticism. “From where I stand, he’s the one person ready to pay millions—far more than the island is worth.” “Exactly my point,” Clara interjects, her tone calm but insistent. “If he’s willing to spend such an extravagant amount, surely he can help us out. You could come to some sort of compromise,” she adds gently, her eyes searching Marissa’s for a glimmer of agreement. “I don’t know, Clara,” she replies, her voice laced with uncertainty. “Why would he even help us? It’s not like we’re of any use to his business,” she adds, doubt flickering in her eyes. “Not us, the children,” she says, her voice softening. “He’s doing it for the children.” “I mean, the Ash Group is one of our biggest donors,” Clara responds, her tone firm but gentle. “You just have to see reason with him.” The next morning, Marissa found herself walking toward the Ash Group’s towering office building. The choice had been clear—there was no other option. If she didn’t speak to Stephen Ash, she risked losing everything. Her steps echoed on the polished floors as she entered, the modern art on the walls doing little to calm her nerves. After waiting for hours, she was led to the top floor. The elevator ride felt endless, the air heavy with the weight of her decision. When the doors opened, she stepped into a sleek office with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. Behind the desk sat Stephen Ash, his dark eyes focused intently on the papers before him. “Miss…Jordan,” he greeted coolly, his tone formal. Marissa straightened her posture, refusing to let her fear show. “Marissa, Marissa is… uhm … yeah ,I’m here to talk about Lougraves Island,” she said firmly. Stephen’s sharp gaze finally met hers. “Ahh… I’m sorry, what?” he asks, his tone detached. Marissa shocked, but not surprised, by his indifference. He’s throwing so much money around, yet he doesn’t even seem to know about the island. She feels a knot in her stomach but somehow manages to respond directly, showing no hint of disappointment. Lougraves Island , she repeats this time firmer with a strong but yet polite tone Mrs Hyde’s Auction Oh yes The island , Mrs Hyde’s is eagerly willing to sell he gives an emotionless smile while nodding his head “It’s more than just property,” Marissa argued, her voice steady but impassioned. “It’s a home for children who have nowhere else to go.” Stephen leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “This isn’t an emotional decision, Miss Jordan. My job is to make profitable investments.its not personal ,its not built on nostalgic feelings ” Marissa’s heart sank, but she refused to give up. “You don’t understand what this place means,” she said, stepping closer to his desk. “It’s everything to those kids. It’s their safe haven.” Stephen remained unmoved, reaching for his checkbook. “I’ll make a donation—$10,000 for the children,” he said, sliding the check across the desk. Marissa stared at the check, her hands trembling. “I’m not here for charity,” she said, placing it back on the desk. “This isn’t a business transaction. These children need Lougraves.” Stephen raised an eyebrow and wrote another check, this time for $20,000. “Surely this will suffice,” he said with a faint smile. Marissa’s resolve hardened. She pushed the check away, her voice firm. “You can’t just buy people off. It’s about more than money—it’s about their future, some of these kids have lasting traumas and having them leave is pretty detrimental.” Stephen’s expression darkened, but he didn’t argue. That’s not my problem miss” We can come to a comprom… miss jordan he gently cuts her off you don’t expect me to join hands with charity cases for business , look around you this is not an NGO so you can either accept the donation or do nothing I really do not care ” This time he looks at her straight I am not going to do you any more than that. If you think the price is gonna make me cave in then you are solely mistaken . I am a business man miss jordan … not a savior Marrissa is frozen speechless she walks out, leaving the folded check behind.She failed herself again . She has failed everyone