What Happened In Paradise?

First Visit: Inside Maxwell’s Room

“Get up, Jess. We’re leaving.” Maxwell rolls his suitcase from the corner of the room, lays it flat, begins dumping the items he has loose about the room. “You’re right…” He grabs a towel from the bathroom, brings it to his suitcase, changes his mind, then tosses it in the bathroom. It’s probably stained with the curse of this island. “You were right, Jess. We were cursed the moment we landed. But it’s done now. We’re leaving. This island won’t take anyone else.”

Maxwell zips his suitcase shut, slides it over to the door. It misses, crashes into the potted plant by the window. The vase falls over; large green leaves and loose soil tumble out.

“They have so many of these damn things all over this damn house.” Maxwell moves to clean up his mess; a few steps shy of the plant, he changes his mind. “They can clean it up.”

“Jess, get up.” He grabs Jess’ ankle, shakes her foot to wake her. “I know you’re tired but we have to leave. Right now. I’ll explain at the airport. I’ll explain everything. All of this is my fault. I’m so sorry.” Tears stream down his cheeks; he struggles to bite them back; wipes his eyes with the back of his hand when he fails. This is no time to feel sorry for himself. “I’ll get your things. You just wash up until I get back.”