MYSTober 2024

31 vignettes based on single-word prompts. One story.

7. Paradise

Julius stretched his legs out in front of him as the warmth from the fire licked at his face. Bonfires had become a weekly tradition in the months since the last house was erected. Someone had told him it was Tuesday, but Julius had lost track of what day it was long ago.

Ashley's hand squeezed his leg. "What are you thinking about?"

"Elephants."

"Really?"

"No, not at all. I'm thinking about how far we've come since landing here."

"'Landing' is a word."

He playfully leaned his shoulder into hers. "You know what I mean. Who here would you have thought capable of surviving on an island like this? You're not allowed to say the crew."

"I mean... define 'survive'?"

Julius laughed. "A bunch of rich folks separated in an instant from all of their money and security. I'd have given us a week before someone resorted to cannibalism."

"Are we still sure Jerry hasn't done that?"

Julius shook his fist in the air in front of him. "Jerry..."

This time, Ashley laughed.

"Really though, we've been here what, a year? Two? I think we're doing all right, all things considered."

Ashley's arm wrapped around his. "I think part of it worked out okay."

"Because it led to this, I wouldn't change a thing." Julius smiled at her, and leaned in for a soft kiss. As if on cue, a note sounded through the air. "Did you hear that?" he asked.

"I did." A moment later it was followed by another, and then a dissonant chord. "Is someone playing a guitar?"

"They're trying to."

"I haven't heard that here before."

"Neither have I. Two years on this island and this is the first time I've heard music – or at least, someone attempting music."

"I think it's Wonderwall."

"I can't believe you just said that. I'll tell you what it is though."

She gazed at him quizzically. "What's that?"

"It's the moment this island became home."

MYSTober 2024

Table of Contents

7. Paradise