
Island of Laughter
By Curtis

15 Aug, 2023

In the middle of the sparkling ocean, an island hosted a strange gathering. Twenty-four boys, marooned without a hint of adult supervision, explored the island with enthusiasm and trepidation in equal measures. Among them was a chubby boy, lovingly or mockingly called 'Fatty'.

"Hey Edward, I took the names of the other boys." Fatty said, clutching a piece of bark etched with names. Edward, a tall boy with sharp features, chuckled and ribbed Fatty playfully.

Mark, who had been silent till now, snorted like a pig and yelled, "Shut up Piggy, you're talking too much!" All the boys burst into laughter at Fatty's new nickname.

Edward, not to be outdone, laughed and declared, "His real name's not Piggy! It's Fatty!" Mocking laughter echoed around the island once more, and Fatty blushed a bright red.

Struggling to hide his embarrassment, Fatty summoned up the courage to ask Edward, "Hey, why did you tell them to call me Fatty?" Edward just shrugged and yelled, "Better Fatty than Piggy!"

It seemed like Fatty was the brunt of all jokes. But he decided not to let it weigh him down. Instead, he chose to make light of the situation, eliciting a burst of genuine laughter.

One day, Fatty stumbled upon something that looked like an old map. He quickly rushed to Edward, holding the map with an excited look on his chubby face.

Edward examined the map with curiosity. It seemed to hint at a treasure hidden somewhere on the island. A spark of adventure ignited in the boys' eyes. They were excited.

Fatty, Edward, and the rest of the boys decided to go on a treasure hunt. Fatty, unexpectedly given his usually timid nature, was chosen to lead the expedition.

Fatty felt a rush of pride. He took the lead, his plump cheeks flushed with excitement. The boys followed him in a single file across the rugged terrain, their laughter filling the air.

Every day brought new discoveries and new challenges. They climbed hills, crossed streams, and trekked through forests. Though the journey was tiring, the boys were undeterred.

Fatty became the island's raconteur, shaping tales out of their shared experiences. His vibrant storytelling bestowed him an aura of respect among his peers, including Edward and Mark.

One day, Fatty guided the boys to a steep cliff. The map indicated the treasure was at the top. Everyone was nervous, but Fatty showed a brave face.

It took them two days to reach the top. When they finally did, they found a wooden chest. The disappointment was palpable, however, when they uncovered nothing but old coins inside.

Fatty didn't let their spirits die. "These coins might not be gold, but they're a symbol of our adventure. They're more valuable than any treasure," he said, making everyone smile.

Fatty's maturity and positive attitude turned the tide of their perceptions towards him. His nicknames changed from 'Piggy' and 'Fatty' to 'Captain'. The laughter was no longer at him, but with him.

The 24 boys remained on the island for weeks until they were spotted by a passing ship. A rescue operation was launched and they were brought back to civilization.

They went back to their lives, but they were changed boys. Their experiences on the island turned them from mere boys to young men of bravery and endurance, led by Fatty, their Captain.

Years later, they still recounted the adventures they had on the island. The laughter, the friendship, the challenges, and the self-discovery they experienced, led by their peer, their leader, their friend - Fatty.

Even as adults, they remembered Fatty's courageous spirit and positive approach to life. Fatty, who led them to discover not just a treasure, but also their hidden strengths.

Their memories of the island were etched deep in their hearts. The island was a part of them, and they were a part of it. It was their island. Their Island of Laughter.

And Fatty? Well, he became a successful writer, telling tales of their adventures on the island. And each story ended with an echo of laughter, just like the ones on their Island of Laughter.

He would often look at the old coins they'd found, now framed on his study wall. It reminded him of his journey, his friends, and the island. His Island of Laughter.

Fatty's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. That even in the face of adversity, one can find camaraderie, humor, and self-discovery. It's the tale of their Island of Laughter.

And so, the tale of 24 stranded boys, led by a chubby boy named Fatty, is not a tale of despair, but of hope. Laughter, they learned, was their ultimate treasure. Their Island of Laughter.