
The Lost Flame
By Curtis

29 Aug, 2023

Mark, with his clay and charcoal camouflaged face, was on his mission to hunt a pig. The other boys followed, shouting and cheering, their faces painted with similar dark strokes.

They charged through the lush, green undergrowth, their eyes burning with a combined sense of thrill and determination. Their hands clutched on their spears, ready to strike.

Meanwhile, on the sandy beach, Edward and Fatty were scanning the horizon when they saw a speck—a ship! Their hearts throbbed with sudden hope.

But their joy was short-lived as they realized the signal fire had expired. Their spirits sank as they saw the ship approaching, unaware of their presence.

Frustrated, Edward and Fatty rushed towards the hilltop, their hearts pounding against their chests. They desperately tried to rekindle the signal fire.

But it was a vain attempt. The ship had passed by the time Edward and Fatty managed to get the fire going. Despair washed over their faces.

Edward was furious with Mark for not keeping the fire going. He cursed under his breath, kicking the sand in frustration, their chance of rescue had slipped away.

Meanwhile, back in the jungle, Mark and his hunting party were still in pursuit of the elusive pig, oblivious to the drama unfolding on the beach.

Mark spotted a large pig darting through the overgrown foliage. He signaled the rest of the boys to encircle it, their adrenaline pumping.

Back at the beach, Edward and Fatty sat down, completely deflated. They could only watch the ship shrink in the distance, taking their hope with it.

With anger and disappointment clouding his thoughts, Edward decided to confront Mark. He started walking along the beach, towards the jungle, followed by Fatty.

Deep in the jungle, Mark managed to corner the pig. Just as he was about to strike with his spear, he heard Edward shouting his name from a distance.

Turning around, Mark saw Edward charging towards him, his face red with anger. He missed his spear throw, allowing the pig to escape.

Edward confronted Mark, blaming him for the missed opportunity of their rescue. He was livid, shouting at Mark and the others for their carelessness.

Mark tried to defend himself and their hunt, but Edward's words cut deep. He looked around at his fellow hunters, their cheerful faces had turned crestfallen.

The conflict escalated quickly, but seeing the despair in Edward's eyes, Mark accepted the blame. The chastened boys silently followed Edward back to the beach.

Once on the beach, the boys looked at the spot where the signal fire had previously been burning. The ship was now just a faint silhouette on the horizon.

That night, the boys huddled around the newly lit fire, their spirits low. Mark stared into the flames, feeling the weight of his mistake heavy on his heart.

Edward broke the silence, "From now on, we share the responsibility. We all need to keep that fire alive, not just Mark and his hunters."

The boys nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They felt a renewed sense of teamwork. It was no longer Mark's mistake, it was theirs.

Days turned into weeks. The boys worked together, maintaining the fire, hunting for food, and scanning the horizon for any signs of other ships.

A ship appeared one day, its tall mast stark against the bright sky. This time the fire was burning fiercely. The boys cheered, their hearts full of hope.

The ship edged closer, the boys' anticipation growing with each passing minute. Edward kept his fingers crossed, his eyes glued to the incoming ship.

Suddenly, they saw the ship turning towards them. A loud cheer erupted among the boys, their faces beaming with jubilation. Rescue was finally at hand!

Edward, Mark, and Fatty joined in a group hug, their past disagreements forgotten. They had survived the harsh island life by learning to work together.

As the ship anchored near the shore, the boys ran towards the beach, waving frantically. Their saga was coming to a joyful end.

The crew of the ship was happy to have found them. The boys were showered with warm blankets and hot food as they boarded the ship, their faces filled with relief.

As the ship sailed away, Mark, Edward, and Fatty huddled together on the deck, watching the island grow smaller. It was a sight they would never forget.

Safe and warm, the boys leaned on one another, thinking about their adventure. The island had tested them, taught them, and now they were stronger.

The lost flame had brought them closer together. Each boy had found courage and resilience within, strengths they never knew they had. Their bond had deepened, and they had evolved.

Back home, their families were overjoyed to see them. The boys returned as heroes, their faces still carrying traces of their adventure, their eyes matured beyond their years.

That night, as they sat around a bonfire, sharing their stories with their loved ones, the boys looked at each other. The memory of the lost flame was now a symbol of their survival.

Their adventure on the island had changed them, forged them. They were no longer just boys—they had become young men, who had faced and overcome adversity together.

As they lay under the stars that night, the boys knew they would remember this journey for the rest of their lives. The island, the hunt, the lost flame, and the friendship—it had all been worth it.

They fell asleep to the crackle of the bonfire, the music of the night, the memories of their adventure. The ship had brought them home, but the island had shaped them, forever.