The Beast in the Cave

    By Curtis

    The Beast in the Cave cover image

    06 Aug, 2023

    David, Mark, Corby, and the rest of the boys have been stranded on an island for countless days. Their once crisp school uniforms were now tattered, and the innocence of their faces was replaced with a ruggedness that only survival could etch.

    One day, David, the youngest amongst them decided to wander off and explore a mysterious cave he discovered. The cave was dark and uninviting, but David's curiosity outweighed his fear.

    As David ventured deeper into the cave, he noticed a large, dark shadow moving in the dimly lit corners of the cave. A deep growl echoed through the cavern, sending chills down David's spine.

    Eyes wide with terror, David saw what the shadow belonged to - a massive gorilla, its broad shoulders hunched over in preparation for a confrontation. In a frenzy, he screamed, stabbing the gorilla with his makeshift spear.

    David scampered out of the cave, panting and shaking, the overwhelming fear clearly etched on his face. He ran back to the other boys, who were waiting anxiously at their makeshift camp.

    He recounted the tale of his fear-inducing encounter, his words filled with fear and adrenaline. Mark and Corby, the two oldest boys, listened intently, their faces darkening with worry.

    The boys sat around their campfire that night, their whispers about the gorilla echoing in the cool night air. The once serene island now seemed threatening and hostile.

    That night, they huddled together, their fears amplified by the eerie sounds of the island. The usual comforting chorus of insects now seemed like a haunting melody, a testament to their newfound fear.

    Dawn brought a new day, but no relief. They were still on the island, and the gorilla was still out there. With the sun rising, the boys felt a renewed energy to face the challenges of the day.

    Mark, Corby, David, and the rest of the boys decided to approach the cave once again. They walked towards it with a mixture of fear and determination, their hearts pounding in their chests.

    They ventured inside, their spears held out in front of them. The cave was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of dripping water now filled with ominous undertones.

    They scoured every corner of the cave, their eyes wide open for any sign of the beast. After what felt like an eternity, they reached the place where David had seen the gorilla.

    The air was thick with tension as they cautiously approached the spot. But as they got closer, they noticed something strange. There was no sign of the gorilla, just a pool of dried blood.

    The boys stood in stunned silence, the reality of what had happened crashing down on them. They realized that survival on this island was going to be much harder than they had initially thought.

    They agreed to take turns guarding the camp at night, knowing that the beast could return at any moment. The experience taught them one harsh truth; their time on this island was a test of courage and survival.

    As the sun set and their campfire slowly dimmed, the boys huddled together, the events of the day running through their mind. They knew the hardest battle was yet to come.

    The days rolled into weeks, and the boys became proficient at scavenging, hunting, and working together as a team. They learned to respect the island and the beasts that called it home.

    Despite the looming threat of the gorilla, the boys never stopped exploring the island. They discovered waterfalls, exotic fruits, and even found ways to build better shelters.

    Time went by, and the fear of the gorilla started to fade. It was as if the beast had accepted their presence and decided to leave them alone. But the boys never let their guard down.

    As they settled into their new life, the boys grew more resilient and fearless. The island was no longer a prison but a playground where they could experience adventure and freedom.

    If you looked at them from a distance, they were no longer a group of stranded schoolboys. They were young survivors, learning the tough truths of life at a tender age.

    The gorilla in the cave was a constant reminder of their vulnerability and the need to stay alert. But it also sparked a sense of courage within them, pushing them to keep going, not just to survive, but to thrive.

    Perhaps, one day they would be rescued. But until then, they had each other, they had their courage, and most importantly, they had the will to live. And that's what made them stronger with each passing day.

    David, Mark, Corby and the rest of the boys grew up on the island, their childhood marked by adventure and survival. They came face-to-face with their fears and learned to overcome them, turning the island into a testament of their strength and courage.

    Staring into the horizon, they knew their story was far from over. But they were prepared for whatever was to come. After all, they weren't just boys anymore. They were survivors.