She had always dreamed of finding a treasure. She had read countless books and watched countless movies about pirates and adventurers who had hidden or discovered chests full of gold and jewels. She had imagined herself as one of them, sailing the seas, exploring exotic lands, and solving ancient mysteries.
That’s why she had joined the expedition to the island of San Cristobal, where a legendary pirate captain had supposedly buried his loot. She was a journalist and a history buff, and she had convinced her editor to let her cover the story. She had hoped to witness a historic discovery and maybe even get a share of the treasure.
She had not expected to be stranded on the island with no way out. She had not expected to be betrayed by her fellow expedition members, who had turned out to be greedy and ruthless. She had not expected to be chased by wild animals and hostile natives. She had not expected to be alone.
She ran through the jungle, clutching her backpack and her camera. She dodged branches and vines and rocks. She heard gunshots and shouts behind her. She knew they were after her. They wanted to kill her and take her stuff.
She had managed to escape from their camp after they had found the treasure. It was a huge wooden chest, covered with iron bands and locks. It was hidden in a cave, guarded by a stone statue of a skull. It was exactly what they had been looking for.
But when they had opened it, they had been disappointed. There was no gold or jewels inside. There was only a map and a note. The map showed another island, far away from San Cristobal. The note said:
“Congratulations, mateys. You have found the first clue to my real treasure. If you have the guts and the brains to follow it, you may find what you seek. But beware: the journey is long and perilous, and many dangers await you along the way. Only the bravest and the smartest will succeed. Good luck, and may fortune favor you.”
She had been fascinated by the map and the note. She had wanted to study them and learn more about them. She had wondered where they would lead and what they would reveal.
But the others had been furious. They had felt cheated and tricked by the pirate captain. They had blamed her for wasting their time and money on a wild goose chase. They had decided to kill her and take her stuff, hoping to find something valuable in it.
She had seen their murderous intent in their eyes and heard it in their voices. She had grabbed her backpack and her camera and ran for her life.
She reached the shore and saw a small boat tied to a dock. It was the only boat on the island. It was their only chance of escape.
She ran towards it, hoping to reach it before they did.
She heard them closing in on her. She heard them cursing and threatening her.
She reached the boat and untied it from the dock. She jumped in it and started the engine.
She saw them emerging from the jungle. They saw her escaping in the boat.
They raised their guns and fired at her.
She ducked down and steered the boat away from the island.
She felt bullets hitting the boat and splashing into the water.
She prayed that none of them would hit her or damage the engine.
She looked at the map and the note in her backpack.
She wondered if she should follow them or not.
She wondered if she would ever find the real treasure or not.
She wondered if she would ever get off this boat or not.
SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page 