We drive along a path, similar to the one Courtney and I walked down, but this way doesn’t lead to a beautiful waterfall. Instead, we head deeper and deeper into what I can confidently describe as a jungle. The brush around us grows thicker, the trees closer together, and after several miles, it becomes clear to me how deep in the forest we’re going.
Finally, we pull up at our destination. Three huts look to have been built for this very occasion in the middle of a clearing. My gaze moves to the sky, barely visible because of the thick canopy, and I look around to see that every direction beyond the clearing looks the same. We’re quite literally being dropped in the middle of the forest.
The guy that Courtney calls Daryll hops off one of the carts and addresses us.
“Inside each hut is a meal for the night and morning, water and a spare outfit. Get some rest. We’ll see you all soon.”
With that, we’re all practically shoved off the carts before they head back the way we came, leaving us effectively stranded. Courtney and I exchange a look before heading towards the hut with the pink heart on it. I guess that one is ours.
Courtney pushes the door open, and I’m shocked to find italmost completely bare. The floor and walls are raw wood, there’s just one small window and the only furniture is a bed in the middle of the room. At least there is a bed, I guess. Everything has been so extravagant since we arrived, it feels like a stark difference. My guess is that’s the point.
Stepping back outside, I spot Luna and Shane sitting at a picnic table in the middle of the clearing, talking, and we go over to join them.
Savannah stomps out of her and Noah’s hut, over to us, and folds her arms. “Have any of you found the bathroom yet? Toilet paper? Literally anything?” she whines.
Luna gives her a dry look before bending down to pick up a large leaf. She hands it to Savannah, who takes the leaf with a frown.
“What’s this?”
“Toilet paper,” Luna says flatly. “The entire forest is your toilet. Go nuts,” she adds before facing the table once more.
Savannah scoffs like that very idea is ridiculous before she looks to Noah.
“Well, come with me,” she snaps. “There could be bears or something out here.”
Noah sighs and shakes his head like he’s physically and mentally drained. “Pretty sure there are no bears on this tropical island.”
“Whatever,” she huffs, then stomps off towards the tree line.
“Hey, maybe we’ll get lucky and she’ll stumble off a cliff,” Luna mutters, a pitiful smile on her face as she picks at the table.
“Luna,” Courtney sighs.
She looks to Courtney. “Like you’re not thinking the same? We know they are. You heard the douche host. One couple walks out of here alive. There are three couples left. I’m just casting my vote for who I think should go next.”
“And then what?” I ask, a sharp edge to my tone.
Luna’s eyes flick to me as she tucks a piece of her purple hair behind her ear. “I don’t know,” she admits softly.
None of us do. Because if Savannah and Noah are the next to go, that leaves the four of us. I know no one wants to say it, but all of us want to live, and if it comes down to it, I’m seeing Courtney and myself through this thing, no matter the cost.
The sun sets quicker than I expected, and Savannah goes to bed while Luna and Courtney are hanging out in our hut. That leaves me, Shane and Noah outside. I gathered enough wood and foliage to rustle up a small fire. Without an ax, it was more than a little difficult, but it’s better than nothing.
“You’re just a regular Boy Scout, aren’t you?” Shane mutters, laughing softly.
“Something like that,” I reply as I throw more wood onto the fire.
Noah stands opposite me, warming his hands, his eyes fixed on the flames. He’s been quiet since we got here, and it more than unnerves me.
“How you holding up?” I ask, waiting for Noah to recognize that I’m speaking to him.
Slowly, his eyes lift, then he shrugs. “It’s crazy, man. I definitely didn’t sign up for this.”
Shane scoffs. “Trust me, none of us did.”
Noah frowns. “Do you think they’re really going to kill us?”
Shane and I exchange a look.
