2788.The survivor © Bruce Goodman 18 July 2023

When George was thrown off a fishing boat by his fellow fishing tourists for being obnoxious he was lucky to make it to a lush deserted island. Not only had he been tossed from the boat, but the region was noted for its sharks. Then as he trod water for half an hour or so he was swept hard against a coral reef that surrounded the island. The booming waves could have knocked him senseless but he survived without a scratch. As he dog-paddled across the island’s tropical lagoon he noticed that it was swarming not only with stingrays but with bright blue stinging jellyfish. As luck would have it he made it to the shore. George couldn’t believe the fecundity of the island’s vegetation and birdlife and sea life. He would be able to survive on fruit and bird’s eggs and seafood, perhaps with the occasional bit of wild animal meat, until he was rescued. He knew from his Boy Scout days how to start a fire without matches, and he still had his fisherman’s knife tucked into his belt. First things first; he must build a shelter before nightfall. He could make something better later. He began by gathering banana tree leaves to spread on the ground. That was when he was bitten by a snake and died. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story