Berries in the dark

JESSICA

It doesn’t take long after Charles leaves for me to begin to feel very alone, and even afraid. I don’t know if this island is big enough to get lost on, or if there are any harmful animals like snakes and whatnot, and I sure as hell do not want to be left alone. What if something bites me? Besides, there is safety in numbers. I’m too proud to go after him though. Let him go away if he wants to. It’s going to be his cup of tea if help comes while he is off doing God knows what and probably getting bitten or eaten up by whatever animals there are out there.

By late evening, he’s still not back, and that is when I begin to work myself up into a frenzy. I absolutely hate the dark, but even worse, I hate sleeping in it alone. Any company, even Charles,’ is beginning to look heavenly. I mold myself to a tree and count to a thousand, after which I count to two thousand, but he does not come back. Tears of worry, terror, and frustration begin to pour down my cheeks.

“Damn him! Damn hi