Lost

• Nathan Do, Grade 6, Greenacre Public School
• Short Story
• 2015

Finalist in the 'Read Write Repeat 2015' competition

Clouds smothered the sky, choking the sun with their greyish colour. No light entered through the gaps of the canopy above, light was far from existence. Another day, another night lost, in the miserable jungle of trees. Coldness encompassed me as a breeze entered the vicinity. Hunger ruptured my body; hope was slowly slipping out of my grasp. I was lost!
My heart palpitated with every, short, heavy step I managed to take. I had nothing; no food, no water, nothing. Tired and exhausted, I took a few steps towards the low-hanging vines, suffocating for a breath of air. I lay down onto the soft blanket of crumpled leaves as I slowly tamed my battling lungs from jumping out of my mouth. Tears swelled in my eyes as I stare at the plane wreckage just metres away, burning everything including the memories and pictures of loved ones.
Minutes droned by, as I was pinned onto the floor by a screeching force, paralysed. I paused, the moment the faint hum of a waterfall drifts into my head, soothing me with every trickle. My strength began to build up.
I pushed myself up continuing my trek through the hue of greenness. After a few metres into the stabbing leaves, mist surrounds the area, drifting in and out amongst the trees. Everything vanishes from sight.
Blind and scared, I ran towards what I thought was a passage, pushing and hitting branches which were in the way, then slowly, a tinge of warmth bristled me with every step, I become warmer and warmer.
A light shone at the end of the passage, it was a vivid picture in my mind. My eyes start to twitch as my surroundings change. My mouth drooped open, in front of my weighty body, listless and languid.
I stare in awe at the sight that beheld me, I was finally free. Happiness swelled inside me; darkness was no longer in sight, and light was restored. The fresh crisp air pervaded my lungs as I consumed the landscape around me. Civilisation at last.
Deep in the interior, I discovered a settlement – must be natives. There in the corner of my sight, a roasting pig, somewhat resembling a human. I have found myself on the doorstep of hell; the cannibals.